Daniel Farke urged to make ‘fascinating’ Leeds United call for one player with ‘a hell of a lot to gain’ this week

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The goalkeepers in the top three in the Championship could be the defining factor for automatic promotion between Leeds United, Sheffield United, and Burnley.

The Whites remain inside the top two with favourable fixtures, but Sheffield United and Burnley winning against Coventry City and Bristol City respectively has tightened things up at the top of the Championship table.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	Sheff UtdSheffield Utd	39	26	7	6	56	29	27	83
2	LeedsLeeds	39	23	12	4	78	27	51	81
3	BurnleyBurnley	39	22	15	2	53	11	42	81
4	SunderlandSunderland	39	20	12	7	56	37	19	72
5	CoventryCoventry	39	17	8	14	56	51	5	59

But Illan Meslier’s errors have seen Leeds fans call for a change. For many, they think it could be what costs them promotion now after two more errors this season against Swansea City to add to his catalogue in 2024/25.

Leeds’ problem is that the know they must escape the play-offs, given their record at Wembley and Daniel Farke knows avoiding a repeat of last season is absolutely crucial. It leaves him with difficult decisions to make over the next four weeks of the season.

• READ MORE: Four clear signs that Leeds United are in fact ‘falling apart again’ this season

Sam Parkin makes Karl Darlow claim amid Illan Meslier problems

Michael Cooper and James Trafford are the difference for some experts between the three, with both goalkeepers likely to eventually be the next players from the EFL to play for England.

Other experts have now called for a change and for Farke to be ‘brave’ with Meslier, while other pundits are certain Karl Darlow can make a positive impact. That includes Sky Sports pundit and co-commentator Sam Parkin

Parkin, speaking to Benjamin Bloom, said: “If they had Michael Cooper or James Trafford, you’d think they’d be there now — or almost there.

“So it’s hugely problematic for them. He’s been incredibly loyal, the manager. Does it now put an enormous amount of pressure on Darlow if he’s to be thrown in now? I’m not so sure it does.”

“I think he’s got a hell of a lot to gain, hasn’t he? Coming in, you know he’ll be confident that he will be better than the current incumbent in that shirt and that position.

“It’s fascinating ahead of this week. There’s no doubt that — just going away from the goalkeeper for a moment — there will be quite a few changes.

“I don’t envisage it happening, but I think there’s a strong argument to say that it should. I think [Willy] Gnonto comes back in, I think [Ao] Tanaka comes back in. I think [Junior] Firpo as well.”

• READ MORE: Championship play-off dates, fixtures, and teams in Premier League promotion mix

The underlying data highlights the Meslier issue for Leeds

He’s not solely responsible for Leeds’ issues and recent downturn in form, but Meslier’s impact on the team is a net negative currently.

The data, especially the goals prevented stat, outline how poor he has been this season. That’s especially true compared to his peers, with Cooper fourth (+6.5), and Trafford first (+11.5) in the same area.

Simply put: he is costing Leeds goals and points. By extension, that means Farke is as well, with the German persisting with Meslier. There are other things for him to fix but Darlow’s recall is a good place to start.

Leeds do not necessarily need a fantastic first-choice stopper, but someone competent and consistent; those are not words you can use to describe Meslier at the present time.