Leeds United fans will be relieved as Daniel Farke makes massive decision ahead of Luton Town

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Leeds United travel to Luton Town this weekend looking to get back on track following one win in their last five Championship outings.

Promotion is still in their hands with a favourable run-in but Daniel Farke will know how crucial this week could be against Luton and Middlesbrough in two huge away games after dropped points against Swansea City last time out.

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
6	West BromWest Brom	39	13	18	8	48	35	13	57
7	MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough	39	16	9	14	59	49	10	57

The question of what to do with Illan Meslier has been raised, with pundits having their say and fans frustrated at Meslier after his Swansea performance.

Karl Darlow is an obvious option for some experts, and one way Leeds could arrest their recent slide. Fans are rightly concerned that they may be about to repeat last season’s falling apart.

• READ MORE: Leeds United stat presents worrying picture for Daniel Farke’s promotion hopes

Daniel Farke is making the right choice with Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier

Leeds do not want to crumble under the pressure again, but Meslier is perhaps the individual that most applies to. He is now set to be taken out of the firing line, as confirmed by Farke in yesterday’s press conference.

The majority of supporters have felt like this had to happen for some time now. There were other junctures earlier in the season where a decision could’ve been made — namely the away games against Sunderland and Hull City. 

There have been other issues and difficult displays this season but the game against Swansea had to be the last straw and that has since been confirmed by Farke. However, he may not be the only change against Luton this weekend, especially with the attack faltering in recent weeks.

Willy Gnonto will also hope to be given his first start since December in the league. However, even just Darlow coming in makes promotion more likely for Leeds now. That’s because some may even argue Meslier’s position had become untenable and taking him out of the limelight and away from the firing line will be a good thing for both him and Leeds.

The pressure and expectation is mounting but this decision should bring a wave of relief to the fans but also some of the players in turn as well. The likes of Joe Rodon have appeared visibly frustrated at Meslier on the pitch on more than one occasion.

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

Karl Darlow’s stats and reasons why Farke has likely made the right choice

It’s fair to say that Darlow has not crowned himself in glory in a Leeds shirt so far, but coming in will still leave most Leeds fans relieved as the needs of the team required it. The question remains as to whether Farke’s decision will be vindicated.

As shown above, Darlow’s last half-season with Hull at this level showcased why he has been well thought of in his career. For the likes of Hull, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest he was solid and consistently dependable, even if he was not spectacular. Sam Allardyce quickly realised Meslier is not that.

That is all that is required for a Leeds side who have conceded just 254 shots this season. Burnley have conceded 348 and the next lowest is Middlesbrough and Millwall with 408. That doesn’t mean Darlow will never be relied upon, but he just needs to do the basics and fundamentals more consistently than Meslier, such is the level of protection in front of him.

Against Swansea, Meslier made just the second save of his Leeds career via the penalty spot. By contrast, Darlow has saved two in one game in his career previously for Newcastle against Forest. That is also significant in high-pressure moments at the business end environment of the season. His experience at Championship level is also vast.

Per FBref, Darlow has minus five post-shot xG and a save percentage average of 65.7%. Neither of these stand out, but it’s important to note that he has played Premier League football in that time as well.

The 34-year-old should be a capable and reliable pair of hands at this level, and an experienced head that his Welsh international teammates will particularly trust. That could be what saves Leeds’ season in these final seven games.