Leeds United must turn their attention away from the Premier League relegation fight and onto the FA Cup this weekend.
The Whites are into the fifth round, and will face Norwich City at Elland Road, a tie which sees manager Daniel Farke come up against his former club.
It has not been plain sailing for the Whites in the FA Cup so far this term. They breezed past Derby County in the third round, winning 3-1 at Pride Park. Birmingham City gave them a real scare, with the Midlands side taking them to penalties, a shootout Leeds won 5-3.
It seems as though there is a relatively clean bill of health for Leeds going into the game.
Leeds’ team news vs. Norwich
In his pre-match press conference before taking on the Canaries, Farke reported just one injury issue. It is now confirmed that summer signing Noah Okafor will remain sidelined for the fourth game in a row, after missing the last three in the Premier League.
Indeed, the Whites boss explained ahead of Sunday’s fixture that the Switzerland international “is not in team training yet” so will miss the game against Norwich. There is no time frame for his return, and it is unclear when he will return to action.
The positive update was the fact that the West Yorkshire side have no other injury concerns. The German explained that “if nothing happens in the next few days, I should have nearly a full squad” for the FA Cup 5th round clash.
There was a small hint at rotation from the Leeds gaffer, though. Farke said things are a “bit more complicated” because this is the third game in a week, explaining that “we want to put a line-up out where we don’t risk any players.”
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see some rotation from Leeds this weekend, with one attacker in particular, someone who could make an impact.
Farke’s new Buendia could start vs Norwich
If Farke chooses to rotate his side this week, then American international Brenden Aaronson could be the man to drop out.
He plays the minutes of an integral player, but has left a little to be desired in terms of output, with just seven goals and assists to his name this term.
Should Aaronson be dropped from the side on Sunday, it could open the door for Facundo Buonanotte. The Argentine has barely played this season, making just 11 appearances across two loan spells for Chelsea and Leeds.
His opportunities under Farke have been very limited. He’s only played three times and has registered just 69 minutes, missing out on the matchday squad on four occasions altogether in the Premier League.
Yet, there is no doubt he is a talented player. Described as someone with “pure quality” by former Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, he performed well for the Foxes on loan last season, with nine goals and assists, and for parent club Brighton.
He’s scored five career goals for the Seagulls, including this stunner in the FA Cup in 2023/24.
This is a player who could have an immediate impact on the Leeds side if unleashed against Norwich.
His underlying numbers in the top flight for Leicester included an average of 0.3 goals and 39.5% cross accuracy per 90 minutes, useful for Leeds, who tend to play high and wide.
Buonanotte key stats in 24/25 PL
Stat (per 90)
Number
Rank
Goals
0.3
Top 29%
Cross accuracy
39.5%
Top 5%
Duels won
7.97
Top 9%
Fouls won
2.08
Top 16%
Touches
58.77
Top 24%
Stats from Fotmob
If the Argentine did get the nod, he could become Farke’s new version of Emiliano Buendia. The German has previously coached Buendia at Norwich, with the pair enjoying plenty of success together at Carrow Road.
With 24 goals and 41 assists in 121 appearances under the now-Leeds manager, the attacker enjoyed great success as a Canaries player.
Farke would surely love to repeat that level of success with another talented Argentine number 10 in the form of Buonanotte.
It is easy to see the similarities between the pair. Both are from the same country, making their way in English football under Farke, and love to operate between the lines and impact the game.
If Farke can turn Buonanotte into his new version of Buendia, then there is no better team to start that against than his ex-club, Norwich.
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