Leeds United face a real’ six pointer’ in their next Premier League clash at Sunday’s hosts Brentford - and this is how we think the Whites will line up.
Sunday’s clash at the Gtech Stadium in West London offers something very different to United’s last three tests against Premier League giants.
Leeds, though, are heading for Brentford having taken four points from their last three enormous tests, a tally which would not have been expected.
Three consecutive tests against Premier League heavyweights began with a trip to Manchester City in which Farke’s side were 2-0 down at the break.
Farke, though, made a huge change at the interval as he switched to a 3-5-2 system which sparked an amazing comeback only for Leeds to suffer last-gasp heartache in a 3-2 defeat.
The 3-5-2 system, though, remained in place for Wednesday night’s hosting of Chelsea and Saturday evening’s visit of Liverpool from which the Whites took four points via a brilliant 3-1 win against the Blues and 3-3 draw against the Reds.
Eight days later, fifth-bottom Leeds will visit 14th-placed Brentford where we expect the big Farke first of a first 3-5-2 from the start in the Premier League away from home.
Farke had made two changes to his team for the visit of Liverpool as the busy Ao Tanaka dropped to the bench to be replaced by Ilia Gruev in midfield.
Lukas Nmecha, paired in a new front two with Dominic Calvert-Lewin since the second half at City, missed out against Liverpool due to a hamstring strain.
Noah Okafor took his place in the XI before coming off as part of a triple-change in the 65th-minute which saw Tanaka, Willy Gnonto and Brenden Aaronson introduced as Farke changed formation again to a 4-3-3.
Again, it worked, Tanaka, Gnonto and Aaronson all helping to alter United’s fortunes as the Whites fought back from 2-0 and 3-1 down to claim a 3-3 draw.
Eight days later, this is the XI that we think Farke will send out against the Bees.
1. GK: Lucas Perri
Clear first choice keeper who might have conceded seven goals in his last three games but also made some important stops. Will now be hoping for a welcome clean sheet. | Getty Images
2. RWB: Jayden Bogle
Clear first choice right back whose energy and overall game is also well suited to playing as a right wing back so adaptable to either system. Farke now has another decision to make on that front with the 4-3-3 transforming United's fortunes in the second half against Liverpool but a 5-3-2 appears a more solid base to start with and Bogle is likely to find himself lining up as a right wing back. | Getty Images
3. CB: Joe Rodon
An uncharacteristic stray pass to Hugo Ekitike led to Liverpool's first goal but it was a rare error from the usually rock-solid Rodon who is now on an amazing 101 consecutive league appearances for the Whites. The Welsh warrior now looks set to stay on the right side of a new back three, at least to start with. He and his defensive team mates now face a huge test against Brentford's Igor Thiago, clearly one of the best strikers in the division. | Getty Images
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4. CB: Jaka Bijol
Giant Slovenian international signing Bijol always looked like being a good signing and it appears that playing in the middle of the back three is getting the best out of him. Scored the opener versus Chelsea with a flying header from a corner and could be key at both ends of the pitch. | Getty Images
5. CB: Pascal Struijk
The left footed Struijk completes the back three on the left side - assuming Farke does indeed start with a 5-3-2. Another player who can be key at both ends of the pitch. | Getty Images
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6. LB: Gabriel Gudmundsson
Like Bogle, another full-back whose game appears well suited to also operating as a wing back and another very good summer signing, especially at just £10m. | Getty Images