"Massive problem" - Daniel Farke told to make big Leeds United change against Sheffield United | OneFootball

FLW's Leeds United fan pundit hopes Mateo Joseph is reinstated into the team over Joel Piroe against Sheffield United.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Leeds United and Daniel Farke return to Championship action against Sheffield United at Elland Road on Friday evening for the first time since the international break, which could see some changes made to his starting line-up.

The Whites are preparing for one of their more challenging home fixtures when hosting Chris Wilder’s unbeaten Sheffield United. Between them, the two have lost just one league game, with Leeds' visitors drawing in just three of their nine games so far.

However, they are separated by just three points at the top end of the Championship table, and Leeds will hope to get back to winning ways at Elland Road on Friday to strengthen their position and potentially overtake Sheffield United to lead the division.

They find themselves three points outside of the Championship's top two following a disappointing result prior to the international break away to Sunderland, but Leeds have the chance to move level with the Black Cats and Friday's visitors with a return to winning ways.

The verdict on Leeds' line-up against Sheffield United

Leeds are light in terms of defensive numbers and at the base of midfield, but the returning Dan James and Manor Solomon have improved their pool of attacking options. There are also players returning late from international duty from long trips, such as Junior Firpo, Ao Tanaka, and Brenden Aaronson.

However, we asked our Leeds United fan pundit, Kris Smith, what one change he would make to the starting line-up for Friday's meeting, and he believes it is a different area of Leeds' team which requires a switch against the Blades, with that trio still so vital and needing to start.

He said: "As much as Joel Piroe was great against Sunderland after he scored and led the line reasonably well, I am still of the opinion that Mateo Joseph should be starting against Sheffield United on Friday.

"We have a much better pressing structure out of possession with Joseph playing, and while Piroe's finishing is the best in the division and obviously the best in our team, he is lacking in other areas that could become quite easily exposed against Sheffield United.

"When you look at how Chris Wilder has them playing, and how they are going to threaten us in possession, I can't help but look at Anel Ahmedhodzic and him carrying the ball out from the back four."

It's could be something which has the potential to destabilise Leeds structurally without the presence of the young Spaniard. Kris added: "That could be a major threat to us, especially with our counter-pressing.

"If our striker is five yards off the pace, then that is a massive problem.

"It's going to create a lot of chances for them, and Mateo Joseph would be a solution to that. He is someone who is going to give us a bit more athleticism and energy out of possession.

"He is crucial to us in that regard, and as much as his finishing hasn't been as good as most Leeds fans would want, I do think that every other part of his game is more than good enough to warrant us starting him over Piroe."

Leeds United v Sheffield United is a huge clash at Elland Road

There is little separating the top six as things stand, and Leeds will be hoping that they can start gaining momentum in the promotion charge heading into the coming months, where their fixture list following the Sheffield United clash is far kinder on paper.

Farke and Wilder have been in a promotion race previously, with both coming out on top at Leeds’ expense back in 2018/19 with Norwich and Sheffield United respectively. Both will be hopeful they can finish in the top two this season after hectic summer periods in terms of outgoings.

The early signs are promising in terms of both results and overall performances, although the defensive solidity of both sides could be the determining factor on Friday in a fixture which represents one of the toughest tests either will face in the league this season.

While midfield and defensive depth is in short supply for Leeds and Farke, their attacking options look to be getting back to optimum levels once more, and that could be the one individual moment of brilliance required to become the match-winner, be that from the bench or with the starting players on the night.