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Leeds United travel up north to the Stadium of Light to take on Sunderland on Sunday.
The Black Cats are in the midst of a dreadful run of form domestically. Sunderland have one draw and four consecutive defeats in their last five Premier League matches.
On paper, it looks to be an ideal time to be facing Sunderland. But with Daniel Farke confirming that Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Anton Stach and Noah Okafor are all major doubts ahead of the match, it will be anything but straightforward.
However, amid all the brutal injury news, this could be the perfect chance for Farke to give a player a perfect opportunity to kick-start his Leeds United career if the German is forced to rotate.
Harry Wilson likely to start against Sunderland
After his spectacular season for Fulham last year, we all had high hopes for Harry Wilson after he signed for Leeds. Despite this, the Welshman has yet to make a real impression in a United shirt so far.
Wilson has played just 165 minutes across his five Premier League appearances for the Whites. (Sofascore)
The 29-year-old’s only start of the Premier League campaign so far for Leeds came on the opening day during our away win against Nottingham Forest.
But with Stach currently struggling with a problem with his foot and Okafor struggling with adductor problems, it appears very likely that Wilson will start at the weekend in one form or another.
It’s possible that we still line up in a 3-5-2 at the weekend, but with Wilson on the right and no left winger due to Okafor’s injury. We saw Brenden Aaronson play this role on numerous occasions last season.
The other possibility is that we revert back to the 3-4-3 in which we started the season in. Wilson again would likely be starting on the right-hand side of the front three in that system too.
Okafor and Stach are two of the players who have indirectly kept Wilson out of the team this season, so with both being in doubt, the Welshman may get an opportunity to prove why he deserves a run of games.
With Okafor’s injury being a muscular one, it seems more serious, so whilst Stach could still play through the pain this weekend, I don’t think we’ll be taking any risks with Okafor against Sunderland.
So Wilson has to be ready to step up.
What Daniel Farke said about Harry Wilson in his press conference
Naturally, with it being likely that Farke will rotate against Sunderland, the prospect of Wilson starting was brought up in the press conference.
Farke explained how Wilson has been working hard to adapt to life in West Yorkshire since his summer move, with his work against the ball being an area in which he has developed the most.
“(Wilson) Had a difficult start but it’s quite normal,” Farke said, as quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post.
“Quality player but new surroundings. Always a player capable of scoring goals or getting assists. Came into a new setup compared to Fulham. Trying to adapt to our style. Pretty happy with what he’s done; worked hard in pre-season and first games, then out for three weeks injured.
“Intensity and workload against the ball is on a way better level than when he arrived. But when you have to work more, sometimes energy and concentration is not there. Pretty sure his quality will shine through.”
Farke continued to sing the Welshman’s praises, which leads me to believe even more that he will start against Sunderland.
“(Wilson is a) Top class, top teammate,” Farke continued.
“After such a season you could come across big-time, but he’s been an unbelievably nice human being, nice teammate. He came with the attitude to work and adapt from the first day.
“I love his attitude, and it’s why I’m convinced he will be a success. Always get out what you’re willing to invest, and he’s invested a lot. All chances to shine.”
If you’re asking me right now, I think we’ll line up in a 3-5-2 against Sunderland, but with Wilson on the right as opposed to Okafor on the left, as we’ve seen in recent weeks.
We’ve looked far better when we’ve played a midfield three this season, so I can’t see Farke ditching it. Even if Sean Longstaff has to come into the team for Stach.
