Farke simply must unleash “monster” Leeds star

Leeds United will be looking to return to winning ways after falling to a 2-0 defeat against Millwall in the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon.

Daniel Farke made 10 changes ahead of the cup clash but failed to get the better of their divisional rivals, exiting the competition and allowing for full focus on their Championship promotion push.

The trip to Watford will see the German want to extend their current 13-game unbeaten run in the league, building a gap at the top end of the table as the league edges towards its conclusion.

It would be no surprise to see the boss revert all 10 changes from the weekend, with barely any of the players who came into the side against the Lions staking their claim for a regular starting position.

Farke can’t take any risks ahead of the clash against Tom Cleverley’s side, with their previous record against the Hornets highlighting the need for a strong side to maintain their superb previous form.

Leeds United’s recent form against Watford

Leeds boast an impressive record against tonight’s opponents, with Farke looking to continue the rich vein of form against the Hornets.

The last meeting between the sides came in October, with the Whites coming out 2-1 winners at Elland Road after goals from Largie Ramazani and Brendan Aaronson secured the victory.

However, the last meeting at Vicarage Road also saw the club drop points in their previous attempt to secure promotion from the second tier, with Crysencio Summerville’s wonder strike the highlight of the 2-2 draw.

Leeds remain unbeaten against the Hornets in all of their last five games in all competitions, winning four of them, with the last defeat coming way back in February 2016.

If Farke is to maintain such a record in London tonight, he simply must start one player, especially after his impressive display during the dismal defeat in the FA Cup over the weekend.

The Leeds player who Farke needs to unleash against Watford

Winger Wilfried Gnonto was handed his first start in nearly a month on Saturday afternoon, looking to prove to the boss why he’s deserving of a recall to the starting eleven.

The form of the likes of Dan James and Manor Solomon have kept him out of the side in recent matches, but his display against Alex Neil’s side is just an example of the quality he possesses.

Whilst the Whites fell to a defeat, the Italian was one of the shining lights within the side, looking impressive off the right-hand side, undoubtedly the most threatening option in the final third.

The 21-year-old, who’s previously been dubbed a “monster” by one analyst, won five fouls and nine duels during the defeat – the most of any player on the pitch, showcasing his ambitions of making a positive impression.

However, it was Gnonto’s figures within the final third which caught the eye, completing 100% of his attempted dribbles, and winning a penalty – both figures that could aid top scorer Joel Piroe to further boost his tally.

The winger also created one other chance and registered five touches in the opposition box, having the tools to wriggle his way into attacking areas, further offering Piroe with the opportunities he needs in front of goal.

Tonight is a huge fixture in the club’s promotion push, with a reaction desperately needed from the weekend to avenge the disappointing defeat at Elland Road.

However, if Farke is to mastermind another league victory, it would be a bold decision not to hand Gnonto a start given his display just a couple of days ago.