Leeds United are back in action in the Championship this afternoon as they prepare to host Southampton at Elland Road on the final day of the regular season.
The Whites go into today's game knowing that they may end up in the play-offs, but there is little chance that they will still be able to stay in second place.
Daniel Farke's side need three points against Southampton in Yorkshire and hope Huddersfield Town do them a favor by beating Ipswich Town, who are three points ahead of Leeds, at Portman Road.
Another change the German head coach should make against Saints to give his team a good chance of doing their part is to drop Joel Piroe from the starting XI to make way for Mateo Joseph.
Joel Piroe's issues this year
Since the start of the year, the former Swansea player has scored three goals, one of which was a penalty, in 23 games for the club in all competitions.
The 24-year-old striker has scored one goal in his last 14 appearances for Leeds, in a 2-1 defeat at Coventry last month, and this run of form does not suggest he is making the most of the opportunities that come his way. Farke gives it to him.
With Patrick Bamford out with a knee injury, Piroe was named to lead the line against QPR in last week's 4-0 defeat and the Dutchman failed to make a big impact.
Graham Symth of the Yorkshire Evening Post gave the striker a match rating of 2/10, citing a lack of impact, as he failed to score three goals and conceded nine of 11 during the match.
So, if Bamford stays out with his knee problem, Joseph should be brought in to replace Piroe, whose poor return in front of goal and 2/10 performance in the last game should see him relegated to the bench.
Why Mateo Joseph should be released from the beginning
The 20-year-old is yet to start a Leeds Championship game this season but the form of his Dutch team-mate suggests he should give the academy graduate a chance to shine.
Joseph, who scored one goal and provided a 'big chance' in 19 appearances as a substitute, has not started a game for club or country since the FA Cup defeat to Chelsea in February.
|
Mateo Joseph |
Against Chelsea (28/02/24) |
|---|---|
|
Minutes played |
90 |
|
Shots |
3 |
|
Goals |
2 |
|
Key passes |
2 |
|
Duels won |
3/9 |
|
Sofascore rating |
8.0 |
|
Statistics with Sofascore |
|
As you can see from the table above, the Spain U20 international stepped up when called upon and produced quality at Stamford Bridge, with two goals in three shots against the Premier League side.
However, the 5 foot 11 star, who was described as “great talent” by Antonio Mango for the U23s, he has not been awarded a league start since his time with the Blues.
With Bamford likely out through injury and Piroe facing a drought in front of goal, this clash with Southampton could be the perfect time – ahead of the play-offs – to see if Joseph has what it takes to make a difference in the team. White people.
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