Daniel Farke can surprise us all at 11am with shock start for ‘excellent’ Leeds United ace vs Portsmouth

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Leeds United have a tough task ahead of them this afternoon as they travel to Fratton Park to take on Portsmouth, and Daniel Farke may be tempted to mix things up with his team selection.

They may be top of the Championship table going into the game, but Leeds United would no doubt like to be in a more comfortable position right now, with both Burnley and Sheffield United breathing down their neck.

A draw against West Brom the last time out hasn’t helped matters, and Leeds really need to get back to winning ways as soon as possible if they are to secure the title this season.

Championship experts predict a tricky game for Leeds, with Portsmouth tipped to cause the Whites problems and John Mousinho’s side boasting a decent home record.

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Mateo Joseph in, Brenden Aaronson out for Leeds United

While Junior Firpo’s comments last week were seen as arrogant, as he criticised West Brom for playing for a draw, it is widely expected Leeds may face a similarly stubborn opponent when they face Portsmouth.

With this in mind, there’s a chance Daniel Farke may want to mix things up in his forward line. While there’s no way that we’ll see the highly-productive Dan James dropped, and Championship Golden Boot candidate Joel Piroe is a definite start, there is scope for Brenden Aaronson to come out of the team here.

The American international is a tidy player who is great on the ball and can create chances, but he’s nowhere near as incisive and dangerous as Joseph.

Leeds fans have even lost patience with Aaronson of late, with calls for Joseph to finally be given a proper chance, and this Portsmouth clash is one where the latter can flourish.

If Pompey line up with a low block and try to win on the counter attack, the pace, trickery, and flair of Joseph could be the key to unlocking the South Coast club and snatching a crucial win.

Whether Farke decides to tinker with his lineup or not remains to be seen, and it would be a pretty big call to drop Aaronson for the less experienced Joseph. But, after the dropped points last week, Leeds may have to find new solutions, and Joseph is definitely a player who is knocking on the door for a start.

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What has Daniel Farke said about Mateo Joseph?

In his press conference this week (via the Leeds United YouTube channel), Farke spoke about Mateo Joseph in great depth.

The Leeds boss praised the young Spaniard for his performance in the last game against West Brom, with particular love for Joseph’s hard work in the press.

He said: “To use each and every second – that’s what I’m looking for. Not just for Mateo but for all players. Not to cheat and lurk – this is what I liked about Mateo’s last display to carry the ball forward. He was excellent in pressing.

“His best behaviour is when he puts intensity in this. He always had a really important impact on the team in recent weeks.”

But, Farke may also have hinted at Joseph’s best role for Leeds right now, and sadly, that’s as an impact substitute.

He added: “Keeping substitutes happy? I know I can’t keep all my players happy. But I’m not here to win the noble peace prize. Deep inside I love my players, I’m not a robot.

“I know how desperate the players are to help and support the teams. But even players on the bench, you get the sense they are even happier than those on the pitch when we score.

“With this team, they are not feeling just about themselves. The spirit in this group is second to none. It hurts when I can’t play them but this is territory.”

While putting Joseph into the starting lineup today may be the popular call, and indeed, possibly even the right one, it remains to be seen whether Farke will actually be brave enough to make the change.