Leeds United hope to have just eight fixtures of the 2024/25 campaign remaining as they look to win automatic promotion. Daniel Farke’s side will be desperate to do the job in 46 games, with a two or three-match increase indicating a second consecutive drop into the play-offs.
It’s the business end of the season now and Farke will likely be more inclined to stick with those he has trusted all season, while those on the fringes of first-team action could be made to keep on in their supporting role. The Leeds manager’s selection decisions have been a hot topic among fans all season, from the No.9 debate to midfield rotation and wide options.
But who has Farke turned to most often this season? Well, the YEP has used data from FBRef.com to take a look at how many minutes have been given to each of the 26 players to represent Leeds in the Championship - take a look below.
13. Ilia Gruev - 1,159 minutes
Kept out of action completely for just over three months after undergoing surgery on a knee injury, but returned quicker than many expected. Has tended to be Farke's go-to man for tricky away games in recent weeks. | Getty Images
14. Sam Byram - 1,227 minutes
Ability to cover at right-back or left-back has been a big factor in Byram's minutes, particularly at at time when Junior Firpo was out injured. Has been excellent and probably played more football than many expected. | Getty Images
15. Mateo Joseph - 1,261 minutes
Was given a handful of starts earlier in the season but despite still playing well, goals weren't flowing and Joel Piroe's impact cost the young Spaniard his spot. It's been mostly substitute appearances since, but 36 league games is nothing to be sniffed at for a 21-year-old. Photo: George Wood
16. Ethan Ampadu - 1,598 minutes
The first name on the team sheet when fit but has suffered two serious knee injuries, to separate knees. Farke has said he hopes to have the club captain back at some point after this international break, so hopefully those minutes can shoot up. Photo: Matt McNulty
17. Willy Gnonto - 1,796 minutes
Was Leeds' main man early on but has since fallen out of the starting line-up, with no league starts since the turn of the year. Could have been given a shot against Swansea City this weekend but now a doubt, having returned from Italy U21 duty early with an ankle injury. | Getty Images
18. Manor Solomon - 1,920 minutes
Took a few weeks to get going, having barely played over the previous 12 months, but really hit form going into the new year and hasn't really looked back since. Has started Leeds' last 14 league games. Photo: Charlie Crowhurst