If Leeds United can avoid defeat against Hull City tonight, they will go five league matches unbeaten for the first time in more than 16 months. The last time they achieved it came in April 2022, when Jesse Marsch was in charge.
That would be the best run of results the American oversaw in his 11 months and nine days at the helm. Daniel Farke has the chance to match that within the opening seven league games of his reign, admittedly in a lower division with a squad expected to finish far higher up the table.
The last time Leeds visited MKM Stadium the world of football was yet to be impacted by Covid. It would be United’s final away game before lockdown postponed the finale to the 2019/20 season.
The 4-0 thrashing would prove to be one of the key indicators Marcelo Bielsa’s side were taking off and bound for the league title. Luke Ayling, Pablo Hernandez and a late Tyler Roberts brace saw off the Tigers with ease.
Signposted by his England under-19 withdrawal, it would be no surprise to see Archie Gray given a breather tonight. The 17-year-old played again on Sunday, but with alternatives available to Farke now it seems sensible to sit Gray out.
Ayling’s age was briefly referenced by Farke in Tuesday’s press conference. Could he be due a rest tonight? Ethan Ampadu has played every minute of this season up to now too.
Jamie Shackleton was unfortunate to miss out on Sunday, but with strong arguments for United’s full-backs to get their feet up tonight, there’s a good chance he comes back in. Glen Kamara, Ilia Gruev and Jaidon Anthony will be hopeful of full debuts, but the former seems to have the best chance with Gray’s situation.
Joel Piroe is already in a rich vein of form for the Whites. His superb finishing and excellent anticipation were each exhibited to great effect on Sunday and there’s little chance of Farke taking him off the boil tonight.
If the Dutch striker can score again he would be the first Leeds player to score in three consecutive away league games since August 2019. Patrick Bamford would score at Bristol City, Wigan Athletic and Stoke City in consecutive trips at the start of the 2019/20 season.
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