Saturday night, under the lights, a rocking Elland Road with a restored feel-good factor and a genuine belief that Leeds United can survive under Daniel Farke. That’s what awaits the Leeds gaffer.
The renewed momentum is a result of Farke’s new tactical nous. His switch to a 3-5-2 system, whether it was forced by Dan James injury at Man City or not, has worked to perfection and got Leeds going again.
It might not be the football that Farke wants to play, but he understands the need to be effective before being able to control possession, like Leeds did in the Championship. To do that, he must establish Leeds.
Can Daniel Farke get one over on Oliver Glasner this weekend? 🦚🦅
The Leeds boss was full of praise for his opposite number
Credit: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images and George Wood/Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
When Farke joined Leeds in the summer of 2023, his long-term goal was to establish Leeds as a Premier League club. Not to get them promoted, not to keep them up, but to establish Leeds where they belong.
You often hear Farke speak of how Leeds have only enjoyed three years in the Premier League in the last two decades. Well, Farke wants to change that, and on Saturday, he can make a big leap towards it.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty ImagesWhy Saturday is more important than other Leeds games
As things stand, Leeds sit in 17th place. The five points in the last three games has opened up a three-point buffer on West Ham, who seemed to develop momentum just as they met a horrid run of games.
Their last five games – Liverpool, Man United, Brighton away, Villa and now on Saturday, Man City. Just two points has come from those games and to some Hammers fans, two points might be a surprise.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
But Leeds have the chance to go a whopping six points clear of West Ham and the relegation zone as they go to The Etihad, and face an almost impossible task of getting something from an improving City.
With West Ham unlikely to get anything this weekend, it increases the need for Leeds to beat Palace. Six points above the bottom three and fans can breathe. Farke can believe in reaching his long-term goal.
Why Leeds have a real chance of beating Crystal Palace
Palace have been superb since the arrival of Oliver Glasner as manager. The German has guided Palace to the FA Cup and the Community Shield and this season, it feels like they will be a top-four candidate.
But right now, Palace are far from that. Their mad schedule sees them in the midst of seven games played in 20 days. On Thursday evening, they are in action against KuPS, albeit Glasner has named a young side.
Leeds win and Dominic Calvert-Lewin scores – change my mind 👊
Fifth goal in a row, incoming
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
48 hours later, Leeds. Next Tuesday, Arsenal in the Cup. It is relentless for Glasner, who has already said he will make 11 changes to the side that started Thursday night’s clash against the Finnish champions.
Not only will Palace’s squad be tired, but there are also injuries. Daichi Kamada, Daniel Munoz and Cheick Doucoure’s injuries have been compounded by Ismaila Sarr leaving for the African Cup of Nations.
This is a brilliant Palace side, under the guidance of one of Europe’s best managers. But it is also a Palace side far from their best, tired and worn out, lacking depth. Leeds can take advantage of the Eagles.
With West Ham likely to lose, Leeds boast a real chance of beating Palace and realising Farke’s long-term goal of stability in the top tier; the chance to go six clear of the drop zone makes it Farke’s biggest game.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox