Leeds United‘s game against Tottenham is still important for more than one reason, as Daniel Farke has a dilemma in the final third after Noah Okafor’s recent setback.
The Whites travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday, where they can mathematically ensure their Premier League safety with a result.
Farke knows that it will be a hard test against Spurs, who have consecutive wins for the first time this year, and are fighting for their lives under Roberto De Zerbi.
But things have only been made harder for the Leeds boss, with Okafor ruled out for Tottenham, and the following game against Brighton.
Farke will have to find Dominic Calvert-Lewin a striker partner for the match, unless he wants to change up the formation, but that seems unlikely.
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Who should start: Dan James or Lukas Nmecha?
Lukas Nmecha would seem the obvious player to start next to Calvert-Lewin, as the pair initially kick-started the Whites’ comeback earlier in the season.
However, injuries to Nmecha have slowed the momentum of their partnership down, and not only that, some concerns over a similar playstyle have put things in doubt.
As seen in the table above, Nmecha hasn’t registered a goal involvement for the Whites in too long, and Farke may have doubts over starting him.
Dan James has been tipped to start against Spurs, though it would be a fairly different position for the Welshman.
James has played just one minute of Premier League football in the last three games, but Spurs feel like the perfect opponent to play him against.
The Lilywhites will be gunning for the win, and James’ pace could be vital for counterattacks, compared to what Nmecha would offer.
Why Farke could hand James last chance before summer
There have been suggestions to say that James should be sold this summer, with his injuries frustrating fans.
The 28-year-old should be in his peak years as a footballer, but constant setbacks have the Whites at a disadvantage, with the need to improve this summer evident.
James in the Championship last season:
James would have a big challenge in trying to prove his fitness against Tottenham, but if there were ever a match that suits his ability, it’s this one.
Many Leeds fans would be sad to see him go, but Farke may have to be ruthless this summer, to ensure that the feared second-season syndrome doesn’t hit the Whites.
Selling James could be part of this plan if he can’t turn things around, but he needs a final chance.