21G/A might not be enough for this Leeds United ace to return to the fold for Daniel Farke, here’s why

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Leeds United are just four games away from promotion to the Premier League at the second time of asking after a 2-1 win for Daniel Farke’s side against Preston North End.

The Championship automatic promotion run-in looked as though it would have a thrilling conclusion but it now looks like a plain sailing end for Daniel Farke’s side to avoid the play-offs. It’s not over yet and some experts are wary of ‘glaring problems’ that supposedly still exist, though.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LeedsLeeds	42	25	13	4	82	29	53	88
2	BurnleyBurnley	42	24	16	2	57	13	44	88
3	Sheff UtdSheffield Utd	42	26	7	9	57	33	24	83
4	SunderlandSunderland	42	21	13	8	57	38	19	76

There were serious signs of Leeds falling apart again but Sheffield United’s stumble over the last week or so has opened the door for Burnley and the Whites to get over the line, much like Rory McIlroy in the Masters on Sunday.

Leeds are adding to records they have broken this season, with Sky Sports pundits continuing to worry about Sheffield United and the gap they have to make up. They can if they beat Burnley on Easter Monday, but that is a fixture which very much suits Leeds.

• READ MORE: Daniel Farke is already above Marcelo Bielsa and Don Revie with Leeds United manager record

Willy Gnonto should retain his place in Leeds’ line-up over Dan James

All season long, a key feature of Leeds’ attacking play has been their wing play. Junior Firpo and Jayden Bogle have been outstanding for Leeds and they are crucial to the functionality of the team and the way they operate.

Largie Ramazani has been underutilised but the reality is that Leeds have an abundance of serious quality and talent out wide. Bogle was the match-winner in a game which was one of his best displays in a Leeds shirt. The opener came via Manor Solomon, who also had one of his most impressive performances since joining the club.

However, Dan James has been the star of the show of late, having proven himself to be one of the Championship’s best players this season. At a time when Leeds won just one of six games recently, the Welshman continued to show his best with a stunning goal to equalise against Luton Town and the winner in an away game against Middlesbrough soon after.

He sustained a hamstring issue in that game, and it’s unclear whether he will return this Easter Weekend or require more time to rest and heal. Leeds are in a fortunate position, though, with Willy Gnonto also coming into form recently with some impressive displays.

His goal against Swansea City looked like being crucial and he should have had an assist from the bench for Patrick Bamford’s strike against Middlesbrough. Either way, he has taken his opportunity and impressed quietly again on Saturday.

Against Preston, he didn’t score or assist, but his role in the half-spaces helps to connect Brenden Aaronson and Joel Piroe better. His interpretation of the role in that right-wing position is vastly different to that of James.

It also allows Bogle to rip up the right-hand side of the pitch — which he obliged to do on Saturday. The right-back stood out even more than usual with a different profile ahead of him. It could give food for thought for Farke ahead of the run-in and in not rushing James back in.

The speedy winger has undoubtedly been one of Leeds’ star men but Gnonto’s understanding and combination with Bogle is better than with James. Bogle was unbelievable on Saturday and many fans are likely to prefer this dynamic.

As Beren Cross’ X/Twitter post shows, Preston could not handle it. James and Bogle make a lot of similar runs to the byline down the right, but Gnonto inverting makes Leeds a more fluid-looking team.

• READ MORE: Sky Sports pundit outlines wish he is ‘dying for’ regarding Sheffield United, Leeds United, and Burnley

Willy Gnonto and Dan James stats comparison 2024/25

Two wingers of such high quality make them the envy of many Championship sides. But both Gnonto and James can and will play important roles between now and the end of the season.

Gnonto can also play centrally or on the left, and there is a world where Brenden Aaronson is dropped to retain high intensity out of possession with James but to bring a touch more flair, creativity, and unpredictability to the fold.

Solomon has also played a lot of late, which could see him come out for a spell to accommodate both Gnonto and James in that sense, too. Farke has a plethora of ridiculously talented players out wide to choose from. It could be decisive in the final four.