Rotation is expected as Leeds United travel to Birmingham City in the FA Cup this weekend, including changes in the final third.
Leeds come into the FA Cup fourth round weekend in a buoyant mood after coming from two goals down to draw at Chelsea on Tuesday.
This ‘cup run’ is seen as extra-curricular alongside the relegation scrap. As a result, there should be changes aplenty in Daniel Farke’s lineup.
Which players need to be rested as Leeds United travel to Birmingham City?
It was another energy-sapping performance from Leeds on our travels to Stamford Bridge, with another point on the board.
As a result, there’s surely no need to risk crucial players as Leeds face Championship opposition in the FA Cup this Sunday.
Daniel Farke will go to St Andrews with the intention of progressing to the fifth round, but Premier League survival is far more important than cup success.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s illness likely sees him not risked, while Pascal Struijk’s setback is another that Leeds can’t afford to aggravate. Other standouts of late include Jayden Bogle, Noah Okafor, and Ethan Ampadu that would benefit from a rest.
Leeds have a six-day gap between this FA Cup fixture and the following trip across the same city to Villa Park on the 21st.
Last chance saloon for Joel Piroe at Leeds United with Birmingham opportunity
Those players making way does clear space for fringe options to get their chance in the lineup again.
Our 3-1 win at Derby County in the previous round should give an indication of who gets their opportunity to start. That includes Joel Piroe.
The Suriname striker is almost certainly not part of the long-term plans in the Premier League. Farke routinely overlooks Piroe even in instances where we’re needing a goal. So, you can imagine this game at St Andrews is Piroe’s last chance to show something.
He linked play quite well at Pride Park in round three. However, he should have scored when he saw his penalty saved at 0-0.
If the £16million signing is to change Farke’s mind on his standing at the club, a standout performance against the Blues is a non-negotiable. Because he won’t be getting many more chances, especially as a starter.
Given the interest and tight financial management the 49ers are having to navigate, Piroe looks an obvious makeweight this summer. His personal stance is to stay and currently fight for his place. If Piroe is to retain any hope of getting back into Farke’s plans, Sunday has to be his moment.
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