As Leeds United prepare for their upcoming match against Burnley on Monday, Daniel Farke appears to be considering a few tactical changes to his starting lineup. After securing a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Norwich in their last outing, Farke might feel that a few fresh faces in the starting XI could help maintain momentum, while also providing some much-needed rest and rotation for players who have been heavily relied upon this season.

One of the first changes Farke is reportedly mulling over is dropping Brenden Aaronson from the starting XI. Despite his solid performance in the victory over Norwich, where he put in a decent shift in an attacking midfield role, Aaronson has been a constant fixture in the starting lineup for Leeds this season. Given that he has played in nearly every match so far, the American international could be due for a rest. Aaronson’s work rate, pressing ability, and creativity have been integral to Leeds’ success this season, but at times, even the most consistent performers need a break to recharge and avoid burnout. Dropping Aaronson to the bench for a match or two might be just what he needs to return to peak form for the demanding fixtures that lie ahead.

In Aaronson’s place, Farke could bring in Wilfried Gnonto, who brings a different kind of dynamism to the team. Gnonto has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his time at Leeds, especially with his explosive pace, dribbling ability, and sharp eye for goal. Against a Burnley side that tends to focus on possession-based play and often leaves space in behind, Gnonto’s pace could prove to be a game-changer. His ability to exploit gaps in the opposition’s defense could be exactly what Leeds need to break down Burnley’s defensive setup. With his directness and flair, Gnonto could not only stretch the opposition but also provide a much-needed creative spark in the final third, making him a potentially key player for this match.

In addition to Aaronson’s potential drop to the bench, another change that could be in the works is Mateo Joseph replacing Joel Piroe in the starting XI. Piroe has had an up-and-down season so far, with his performance against Norwich being one of his quieter outings. While the Dutch striker has shown moments of quality, there’s no denying that he’s been somewhat inconsistent this season. Given the competitive nature of the forward positions at Leeds, Farke might be tempted to give Joseph a chance from the start. The young striker has been impressive when called upon, offering energy, enthusiasm, and a keen eye for goal. His runs into the channels and willingness to press from the front could inject fresh energy into Leeds’ attacking play. Joseph’s ability to stretch the defense with his movement could prove vital against Burnley, especially if they play with a high defensive line. His work rate and intelligent positioning could open up space for other attackers, while also giving Leeds a more direct approach in the final third.

With these potential changes in mind, the rest of the team is likely to stay the same, especially after a strong performance in the previous match. Illan Meslier, who has been Leeds’ undisputed number one goalkeeper this season, will almost certainly retain his place between the sticks. The French shot-stopper has been reliable throughout the campaign, and his shot-stopping ability will be crucial against a Burnley side that can pose a threat from set pieces and long-range efforts. Meslier’s distribution has also improved, and his ability to play out from the back will be important in helping Leeds build attacks from deep.

The back four is expected to remain unchanged, with Jayden Bogle and Sam Byram starting at full-back, while Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu continue their partnership in the heart of the defense. Bogle has been excellent on the right flank, providing both defensive stability and an attacking outlet with his ability to overlap and deliver quality crosses into the box. On the left, Byram has been a steady presence, and his understanding with the midfielders in front of him has allowed Leeds to maintain a solid defensive shape while also offering attacking support. The central defensive partnership of Rodon and Ampadu has been one of the bright spots of the season, with both players excelling in their roles. Rodon has brought leadership and composure to the backline, while Ampadu has adapted well to his role as a central defender after initially being deployed in midfield. The two players complement each other well, with Ampadu’s ball-playing ability allowing him to progress the ball from deep, while Rodon’s no-nonsense defending provides the solidity Leeds need in crucial moments.

In midfield, Farke is likely to keep faith with Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell, whose partnership has developed into one of the most effective in the team. Tanaka, who has been known for his composure on the ball and his ability to dictate the tempo of the game, has formed a solid understanding with Rothwell, who brings more energy, creativity, and ball-winning ability to the midfield. Their combined qualities have allowed Leeds to dominate the center of the park, and with Ampadu moving into defense, this partnership has proven to be a vital component of Leeds’ success. Tanaka’s technical ability to control the game and Rothwell’s dynamism in pressing high up the pitch have given Leeds the balance they need in midfield, and it’s likely that both will retain their places against Burnley.

In the wide attacking positions, Farke will likely continue with Dan James and Manor Solomon, who both played pivotal roles in Leeds’ victory over Norwich. James, with his blistering pace and ability to stretch opposition defenses, has been a constant threat on the right wing. His performances this season have been marked by his ability to get in behind defenses and create chances for his teammates. On the left, Solomon has been equally effective, using his dribbling skills and creativity to unlock defensive lines. Both players will be crucial in Leeds’ attempts to break down Burnley’s defense, particularly as they look to exploit any space left by Burnley’s possession-based approach.

Finally, the central forward position, which has been a bit of a rotating door this season, is where the most notable change could come. If Mateo Joseph is brought in for Piroe, he will provide a different dynamic at the top of the attack. Piroe, despite his technical ability and link-up play, has struggled to find consistency, and Joseph’s energy and pressing could provide a fresh approach. Joseph’s work rate and ability to make clever runs behind the defense will give Leeds a more direct attacking threat, while his ability to create space for others could allow players like Gnonto and James to have more freedom to get into dangerous areas. The attacking setup would be more fluid and mobile with Joseph leading the line, and his willingness to work hard off the ball could make him an ideal fit for Farke’s tactical system.

In conclusion, Farke’s potential changes to the starting lineup are designed to inject fresh energy into the team, particularly in attack, while also providing some rotation for key players who may need a break. With players like Gnonto and Joseph coming into the team, Leeds would have a more dynamic and energetic approach, which could prove crucial in breaking down Burnley’s defensive structure. If Farke gets these changes right, Leeds could continue their strong run of form and make a real statement in their pursuit of promotion. The blend of experience and youthful energy in this potential lineup shows that Farke is focusing on both tactical flexibility and squad management, which could pay off in the long run.