Leeds United

We asked for your Leeds United questions that we could put to BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope during the international break and we will be publishing some of Adam's answers on this page throughout Friday.

Part one of the Q&A focuses on the Premier League run-in and whether Daniel Farke will remain in charge, even if the club is relegated.

David asked: Whatever the outcome of our seven remaining games, do you think Daniel Farke will still be Leeds coach next season? Is there an argument his Championship record means he should stay if we go down?

Adam answered: In terms of moving Leeds United forward, there has been evidence this season that Farke is evolving as a manger. He has proved he can set up a team to compete with the better sides in the Premier League.

Also, for example, in Jayden Bogle, Illia Gruev, Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu, his coaching has definitely improved a lot of players. Keeping United in the top flight by creating a core of players within the PSR constraints suggest he can move the team forward.

It is unlikely he stays in the event of relegation. However, he retains the support of his employers at present, so there is an argument that if the board remains committed to the style of football it wanted played to win promotion last time around - which was aggressive, with wingers, and designed to dominate games - it may feel Farke is best suited to provide that again, as he was the preferred candidate from the original selection when he arrived in July 2023.

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Lee asked: With Leeds facing Wolves, Burnley, Spurs and West Ham in four huge six‑pointers, which of these fixtures do you see as the true make-or-break moment for survival? And do you believe Farke will approach these games more cautiously or more aggressively?

Adam answered: It's so hard to predict but I do believe that Leeds will be safe before going to West Ham on the final day. Another two wins should do it, so I think the Wolves game at home is pivotal.

The manager has gone with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha in recent weeks, and I genuinely believe that system would have won the game at Crystal Palace but for the erroneous Gabriel Gudmundsson red card. It came up against a very tough Brentford side last time out.

It would be great to see Leeds reassert themselves against Wolves and Burnley with a more expansive display to secure the points required, but I think the circumstances could dictate otherwise while the table remains tight.

Come back to this page later on Friday for parts two and three of the Q&A, which will look at subjects including summer transfer and stadium plans.

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Leeds winger Dan James scored a fantastic goal for Wales against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Thursday's World Cup semi-final, before Craig Bellamy's side were eventually knocked out of the competition on penalties.

James latched on to a wayward backpass and smashed a swerving 25-yard strike into the roof of the net to open the scoring at Cardiff City Stadium.

It is the first time the Welshman has scored in back-to-back appearances for his country and is as many strikes as he has managed in his previous 16 outings for the Dragons.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live at full-time, James said: "It's tough to take because I thought we played really well, but then they got a late goal which was gutting.

"It's gutting for the boys, but I think what they showed was unbelievable in how far we have come. We have so much more to show.

"It's a tough moment because we feel like we've let our country down. It wasn't to be but the boys will be stronger for it. We will be back."

Team-mate for club and country Ethan Ampadu added: "I'm a bit lost for words. We prepared as well as we could have for the game and we played well, but that ultimately doesn't matter because we won't be going there [World Cup] in the summer.

"It's disappointing, but we can all hold our heads up high because we fought for everything. Sometimes in life it just doesn't go your way."

Wales will return to Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday for a friendly against Northern Ireland, who lost Thursday's other semi-final to Italy.

Listen to their interviews on the Football Daily podcast

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We asked for your views on Marcelo Bielsa's return to England to manage Uruguay against the Three Lions on Friday, and whether you are going to Wembley to pay homage to the legendary former Leeds boss.

Here are some of your comments:

Nick: So true that fans like me are going to pay "homage" to Bielsa - although would of course love to see Calvert-Lewin get some game time. We have always been a fanbase that benefitted from a talismanic leader - but one that espoused "team first" mantra. Bielsa was the embodiment of it all and either cleverly or naturally endeared himself to us all with his unique style - bus from Thorp Arch to home still in full training gear, out shopping among the faithful. We are Yorkshire so being starstruck and invading personal spaces are not part of our DNA - maybe he was smart enough to quickly work this out? Many like me feel a need to keep letting him know that he changed our lives for the better and that he is genuinely loved and revered.

Luke: Me and my best mate and our kids are off to Wembley to pay homage to Leeds legend El Loco Marcelo. Forever in our hearts! I'm even going to knock up a couple of signs for the occasion.

Greg: I am taking my fiance to her first ever England match because we are both big fans of Bielsa! We will be joined by a few other Leeds fans and we're planning to get there early to try to meet the man himself.

Andrew: Off to see Bielsa and DCL with my son. So looking forward to going as only seen England play at Elland Road in 1995. I'm sure there's going to be some homage planned by some supporters at some point for Bielsa which we'll join in.

Matthew: I'd not normally go to watch England - too many disappointments over the years and the ticket prices are outrageous - but I'm heading to Wembley to see Mr Bielsa. I've done my best to get my son and I as close to the benches as budget would allow and I'll be in an old school Newell's Old Boys shirt and Leeds hat, trying to use my limited Spanish to thank him for all he did at Elland Road. Can't wait!

Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent

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The Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel has unanimously voted that Gabriel Gudmundsson should not have received a second yellow card at Crystal Palace.

The Leeds United defender was sent off by referee Thomas Bramall in first-half stoppage time for a challenge on Ismaila Sarr in the centre circle.

Bramall appeared to forget he had already booked Gudmundsson in the 26th minute, taking several seconds to produce the red card.

The KMI Panel said that there was "minimal contact" and "the challenge was careless and not clearly reckless".

Leeds boss Daniel Farke was annoyed by the decision, which left Leeds to play the second half of the 0-0 draw with 10 men.

"Everyone in the stadium can see [it was the wrong decision]," Farke said. "It was doubtful if it was even a foul. For me, it was a clear mistake."

Second yellow cards are not currently reviewable by the video assistant referee (VAR), so Gudmundsson's red card had to stand.

However, from next season there will be the scope for the VAR to send a referee to the monitor to rescind clearly wrong second bookings.

The KMI Panel unanimously voted that the referee was correct not to show a second yellow card to Palace forward Brennan Johnson in the 74th minute.

It said Johnson's challenge "isn't reckless and doesn't stop a promising attack".

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Many Leeds fans are expected to make the journey to London to watch England's friendly against Uruguay at Wembley on Friday - but not all of them will be there to cheer on the Three Lions.

Instead, it will be to pay homage to legendary former Whites boss, and current Uruguay national team manager, Marcelo Bielsa.

Bielsa managed Leeds from 2018 to 2022, leading the club to promotion to the Premier League in 2020 after a 16-year absence in 2020 and overseeing a ninth-place finish in their first season back in the top-flight.

We want to know, are you planning on seeing Bielsa at Wembley? And if so, why do you feel so strongly towards the Argentine?

Let us know here

We want you to send in your questions on the Whites for our BBC Radio Leeds reporter.

Use the link below and we'll put them to Adam Pope.

Come back to the page on Friday to find his replies.

Get in touch with your question here

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We asked you how you would you solve the problem of a lack of goals for Leeds, after the Whites failed to find the net for the fourth successive match in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Brentford.

Here are some of your comments:

Alan: I feel that the wingers are not beating the full-backs and getting behind the defences often enough. This forces crosses to be made from deeper parts of the field. The central defenders cope with this easily. In frustration a lot of Leeds attacks are now ending in long-range shots with poor accuracy while under pressure. Some improved level of interpassing skill needs to be shown as well as greater shot accuracy. Shots on target are always at low values. A lot to develop in a short time. However, some invention is required, at corners particularly, to create better scoring opportunities.

Peter: Strikers good enough but they need chances creating. Wingers are not Premier League quality. We've been crying out for a creative player since Pablo Hernandez left.

Nick: Leeds need some creativity and to be a bit braver at home. Go back to the 4-2-3-1 formation with Ampadu and Stach as the two, Calvert-Lewin up front with Tanaka, Gnonto and either James or Okafor as the three. A back four of Struijk, Rodon, Gudmundsson and Bogle would complete the side, which will be a lot more creative and threatening than the formation and tactics currently being used. Away from home, go back to five at the back.

Dave: Leeds need to attack more and need to bench Nmecha. DCL needs a small, versatile attacker in support, either Okafor or Gnonto.

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BBC Radio Leeds commentator Adam Pope says Saturday's goalless draw against Brentford is "an opportunity missed" in the Whites' battle for Premier League survival.

Daniel Farke's side moved four points clear of West Ham, who occupy the final relegation place, but are now winless in their past six Premier League games and have gone four without scoring.

"It was a boring game," said Pope on BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast.

"Ultimately, with time to reflect, Leeds are a point better off.

"I felt like it was an opportunity missed at the time, I thought they dealt with Igor Thiago pretty well and nullified Brentford's threat.

"But, fundamentally, there just wasn't enough going on at the other end.

"I did feel in the second half Ethan Ampadu led the team really well in trying to push for a win and if anybody was going to win, it would be Leeds. But they have fallen short and not scored for a fourth game running, which is a concern.

"It puts a lot of pressure on the upcoming Burnley and Wolves games at home, that's all I'd say, particularly with Manchester United away next after the international break and FA Cup.

"All the ingredients for a good atmosphere under the lights were there but it just didn't happen. You have to credit the respect Brentford gave Leeds by going five at the back and stifling them, but I felt the atmosphere was lacking and there was not much for the crowd to cheer on."

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Adonis Storr
Fan writer

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The ball bobbled up and on to Jayden Bogle's hand. Surrounded by Chelsea players, he kept fighting and in the middle of the ensuing melee, Noah Okafor pounced for a tap-in.

That moment of chaos at Stamford Bridge back on a Tuesday night in early February was Leeds' most recent goal from open play in the Premier League.

Their most recent goal of any kind in the league came at Villa Park a little over a month ago, when Anton Stach's speculative blast from 35 yards sailed past Aston Villa's World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

In the 419 minutes of football since Stach's goal, Leeds have had 64 shots, racked up 5.43 expected goals and had 117 touches in the opponent's box - and failed to score.

If you are looking for mitigation, the four opponents over this barren run all rank in the top half of the league for fewest goals conceded - Manchester City (second), Sunderland (fifth), Crystal Palace (third) and Brentford (ninth).

Structurally, Daniel Farke has the team well drilled out of possession making them tough to beat - only Bournemouth (15) have drawn more games than Leeds' 12.

It is good to be solid at the back but where are Leeds' goals coming from?

A lack of quality chance creation and free-flowing build-up play have been issues that have forced United to overly rely on set-pieces for goals.

The spread of assists across the team points to a lack of a recognised playmaker. The left side of defence has offered zero attacking output.

Leeds have regularly played midfielders in their front three, while in tight games you need quality off the bench to make a difference and they have not had it.

They may be able to draw their way to safety but Leeds' Premier League status is in the balance if they cannot find a way to score more goals.

Put yourself in Farke's shoes... how would you solve the problem of a lack of goals for Leeds?

Let us know here

Find more from Adonis Storr at The Roaring Peacock, external

Leeds midfielder Ao Tanaka is wanted by German clubs Schalke and Hannover. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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A new episode of BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast has landed.

After a boring stalemate with Brentford left Leeds United a point better off than two of their relegation rivals with seven games to play. Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Simon Rix pick over the carcass of a game best forgotten.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Leeds and Brentford.

Here are some of your comments:

Leeds fans

Paul: Leeds played as if they are frightened of losing rather than trying to win. They looked a different side after the late changes. Be brave!

Andrew: A good point against a team in form competing for a top-six place. However, being draw specialists might not be enough. We need to find our mojo again. We aren't playing with the dynamic we are capable of and not creating enough chances as a result.

Chris: Good point in the end - they are a good side pushing for a European place and have good players. The teams cancelled each other out on the day. Poor game for both set of fans.

David: A hard-fought point against a well-organised and dangerous top-eight side. Going into the international break outside the bottom three is good and takes the pressure off. Hopefully in the final run-in we will see more of Daniel James, Wilfried Gnonto and Noah Okafor, especially in the home games, to create more goals and keep us in the Premier League.

Brentford fans

Zachary: Felt we set up for a draw. While fans don't want to see that, it is probably a good point considering how thin our squad is right now, particularly at right-back and in midfield. I do also think fatigue is getting to the players, with Ethan Pinnock and Keane Lewis-Potter cramping up near the end. That's concerning with a very limited selection of first-team players on the bench. Can't fault the lads for effort, though.

Jane: It wasn't a great watch. A missed opportunity? Yes, but at this stage of the season it's tough for teams with fewer resources as the injuries hit, and the bench features very few players who can change a game. It's going to be tough for the Bees to stay in seventh.

Gavin: A masterclass in defending against a decent opposition who were trying hard to win the game. With the additional injuries to Mikkel Damsgaard and Kristoffer Ajer, I wasn't surprised by the shape, and great to see Pinnock not putting a foot wrong. It's definitely a point gained, in previous seasons with the injury woes they would have lost this game. With the remaining away games against Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool on the last day, three defeats is not unlikely. However, who knows with this team under Keith Andrews.

Ian: A well-deserved point. The closing down of space by the Brentford team was immense. Time for a recharge of the 'league' batteries for the final seven games.

Pundits Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Friday and Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Everton 3-0 Chelsea

• Fulham 3-1 Burnley

Leeds manager Daniel Farke, speaking to BBC Match of the Day after the goalless draw with Brentford: "After a draw we are not dancing tonight, but also there were many positives to take. You can see why Brentford are seventh and fighting for Europe.

"They have offensive players on the pitch in red-hot form, really good defensive behaviour and we asked many questions, but the composure around the box was missing, anticipation and imagination was missing. It was also important to be rock solid at the back and it is a third clean sheet in a row.

"We would prefer to score in every game but we also have to praise the defence of Brentford. We know we have goals in us but we are also not a team that cuts opponents to pieces. We are a newly promoted side and we have to make tight games out of it, and bring out mentality and fitness levels in. I am pretty optimistic we will add goals over the next few weeks.

"The crunch time starts after the last international break and you can focus on the league. We need to win five to seven points to stay in this league. We also have the game at Manchester United where we can win points. We have proven it is doable. If we don't do it we probably don't deserve to play in this league next year. We know we have it in us and I back my lads to do this."

Did you know?

• Leeds remain winless in their last six Premier League games (D4 L2), failing to score in four successive top-flight matches for the first time since February/March 2022.

• Leeds won back possession seven times in the final third this evening, only against Chelsea in December (8) have they done so more often in a Premier League game this season.

You can listen to more from Farke on BBC Sounds

Ben Ramsdale
BBC Sport journalist

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Leeds' lack of bite in front of goal was highlighted once again.

It marked the fourth consecutive Premier League game that the Whites have failed to find the net.

Daniel Farke's side are without a goal in the top flight since mid-February and it was clear to see why at Elland Road.

It was not for the want of trying, but Leeds simply lacked the spark, though the same could have been said for their opponents.

They won back possession seven times in the final third, their second highest tally of the season, but still were unable to create anything clear-cut.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, recalled to the England squad on Friday, was anonymous but had nothing to work with.

It was hard to judge his performance because he was never presented with a chance to take.

Despite the negatives, it is another point for Farke's men on their quest for survival but, with the bottom six being so congested, you would have to think that sooner rather than later, that spark will need igniting.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Leeds' performance

What did you make of Brentford's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has made just one change from the side that drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace last time out.

Jayden Bogle comes into the eleven in place of Gabriel Gudmundsson, who was sent off in the draw at Selhurst Park.

Leeds XI: Darlow, Justin, Bogle, Struijk, Rodon, Bijol, Ampadu, Stach, Aaronson, Nmecha, Calvert-Lewin

Subs: Perri, Bornauw, Gruev, Longstaff, Tanaka, Gnonto, James, Oakfor, Piroe

Brentford boss Keith Andrews makes two changes to the side that were held to a 2-2 draw by bottom club Wolves.

Ethan Pinnock and Yehor Yarmolyuk come in from the off with Dango Ouattara dropping to the bench.

Mikkel Damsgaard misses out through injury.

Brentford XI: Kelleher, Kayode, Collins, Pinnock, Van den Berg, Henderson, Jensen, Yarmolyuk, Schade, Thiago, Lewis-Potter

Subs: Valdimarsson, Nelson, Ouattara, Donovan, Furo, Bentt, Shield, Stephenson, McManus

There are four games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Brighton v Liverpool (12:30)

• Fulham v Burnley (15:00) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Everton v Chelsea (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Leeds v Brentford (20:00)

Kick-off times GMT

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Fulham v Burnley" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Everton v Chelsea".

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

The way Brentford will set up is almost tailor-made to face Leeds, really, to hit them on the counter-attack.

Keith Andrews's side are pushing for Europe and they will be annoyed they let a 2-0 lead slip in their 2-2 draw with Wolves on Monday.

There could be some nervy moments for the home fans when the Bees break forward, but I am still going to back Leeds to get the job done at Elland Road.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Chris Adams
BBC Sport journalist

Leeds United's incredible home record under the lights at Elland Road may have come to an end last month but they'll be looking to start afresh with the visit of European hopefuls Brentford on Saturday night (20:00 GMT).

Prior to the 1-0 defeat against Manchester City on 28 February, the Whites had gone 25 home games unbeaten in matches that kicked off at 17:00 or later.

A five-match winless streak in the league has left them 15th in the table, a mere three points above the drop zone with eight games to go.

Whites drawing blanks

They've failed to score in their last three, a record compounded by top scorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin missing a penalty against Crystal Palace last week. He's without a goal in his last five in all competitions.

The striker has earned an England recall for his overall form this season, but Leeds are really suffering now that his December hot streak – which included the equaliser in a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture at the Gtech Community Stadium – has tailed off.

Per 90 minutes, he performed better in almost every attacking metric before the turn of the year.

The last player to find the net in the league for Daniel Farke's side was the manager's compatriot, Anton Stach, who has similarly been rewarded for his displays this season with a first Germany call-up in four years.

Stach has three league assists to his name and no player in the division has created more chances from set-plays this season than the Leeds midfielder (27, level with Bruno Fernandes).

League positions aside, recent history suggests Leeds have cause for optimism going into this one. They've lost just one of their last 16 home league games against Brentford, winning seven and drawing eight, and are unbeaten in seven since a 1-0 loss in February 2015.

Keith keeping calm

Seventh-placed Brentford's solid showings since the start of February – just one defeat in seven league games – have kept them firmly in the hunt for a maiden European adventure.

A significant turnaround in their away form has helped that cause massively. Keith Andrews' side lost seven of their first eight away Premier League games this season, tasting victory just once, but have now won five of their last seven on the road.

Reflecting on throwing away a two-goal lead against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out, Andrews said: "I think it's really simple. If we produce a second-half performance again, we will struggle. If we produce first-half performances of that level, then we will have a good end to the season."

One of his goalscorers against Wolves, Igor Thiago, is enjoying the best league campaign of his career, netting 19 Premier League goals to date. He could become just the third Bees player to score 20 in a top-flight season, along with Ivan Toney in 2022-23 and Bryan Mbeumo in 2024-25.

The centre-forward's brilliant return has landed him a first call-up to the Brazil national team, while Jordan Henderson – who scored Brentford's goal in December's draw between the two clubs – retains his spot in Thomas Tuchel's England squad.

Four of the last six league games between these sides have ended in draws, with one win apiece, but those Bees fans making the trip from west London to West Yorkshire will do so in a positive frame of mind.

Brentford have lost just one of their last 13 league games against newly promoted opponents, winning 11 and drawing the other.

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope says Saturday night's visit from Brentford will feel like "a real occasion" at Elland Road.

The Whites' home form, especially under the lights, has been key to their survival bid but after welcoming the Bees they will have just three home games remaining.

"I don't think Daniel Farke is underestimating Brentford," he told the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast.

"I think people have got over their surprise at them doing so well having had the guts of the team and the manager ripped out of them.

"They are seventh. They let a 2-0 lead slip against Wolves but have had a few injury problems but are an impressive team.

"It is at Elland Road, we play before everybody else, it'll be a big night there and it will feel like a real occasion.

"I think that's a lot for any team to contend with and that's why I feel Leeds can do this.

"If they pick up two points from the Palace game and this one I don't feel think it's a disaster at all. But, I do think putting the Elland Road uniqueness into the mix might just edge it Leeds' way."

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