Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has given his squad a short break to regroup before preparations begin for their upcoming match against Luton Town. However, with Luton’s strength in delivering crosses, whoever starts in goal could face another challenging test.
Throughout the season, comparisons have been drawn between Leeds’ goalkeeping performances and those of their promotion rivals, Burnley and Sheffield United. The ability to handle basic goalkeeping fundamentals—such as shot-stopping and commanding the penalty area—has been a key factor setting their competitors apart.
In most Championship teams, repeated goalkeeping errors would result in the number-one spot being reconsidered. Yet, despite costly mistakes, Illan Meslier has retained his place under Farke. However, with Leeds having dropped multiple points due to goalkeeping mishaps, Farke’s reluctance to make a change is becoming increasingly difficult to justify.
Backup goalkeeper Karl Darlow, though not particularly outstanding in his limited appearances for Leeds, has managed to secure the Wales number-one position at 34 years old. The former Newcastle United shot-stopper boasts considerable Championship experience, and now may be the time for Farke to turn to his backup.
Leeds’ next fixture sees them travel to Kenilworth Road for a match they would typically be expected to win. However, past games against Portsmouth (away), QPR (away), and Swansea (home) have proven that the Championship run-in is full of surprises—and Leeds have often been on the wrong side of such results.
Luton Town, despite struggling this season and facing the prospect of consecutive relegations, gained a vital lifeline with an unusual own-goal victory against Hull City. With renewed confidence, they could cause problems for Leeds, especially given their strength in set-piece situations:
Luton’s Set-Piece Strengths (League Rankings):
Shot-creating actions from dead balls: 120 (1st)
Dead ball passes per 90 minutes: 51.8 (3rd)
Crosses per 90 minutes: 20.6 (6th)
Corners per 90 minutes: 5.77 (4th)
Average shot distance: 15.3 yards (1st)
While Luton have struggled in open play, their ability to create chances from set pieces could pose a serious threat to Leeds. The Whites have been strong defensively from open play, but their vulnerability in dealing with set pieces—especially with uncertainty in the goalkeeping position—could be their downfall. Whether it’s an out-of-form Meslier or a rusty backup in Darlow, Leeds must address this issue before heading into a tricky fixture at Kenilworth Road.
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