Leeds United face another cup final in their Championship promotion race at home to Blackburn Rovers.
The nerves are clearly getting to the three sides at the top of the division with all of them failing to win, or even score, in the most recent set of Championship matches.
Leeds were held to a 0-0 draw by Sunderland at Elland Road on Tuesday night in a performance which has epitomised Daniel Farke’s side since returning from the international break.
Though at least one stonewall penalty was waved away by referee Tim Robinson, Leeds registered just one tame shot on target across the whole 90 minutes through Joe Rodon.
All of Leeds’ attacking players, with the possible exception of Crysencio Summerville, have seen their form tail off in recent weeks and Saturday represents the time for Farke to make changes.
Farke simply must hand Gnonto a start for Leeds on Saturday
Dan James, Georginio Rutter and Patrick Bamford have all been poor in the last few matches and Farke is one of the only managers in the division who has genuine options on the bench who can replace them.
Both Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe will undoubtedly be pushing for a start, but the most obvious change comes on the right amid the form of James.
The 26-year-old has not looked right since missing that crucial penalty for Wales, and with the exception of that goal against Hull City, has offered very little.
James was only brought into the team as a result of the injury Willy Gnonto picked up for Italy U21s, but he has now come off the bench in the last two and should be ready for a start.
Gnonto was in scintillating form prior to his injury with six goals in nine starts, and could be the difference maker Leeds desperately need in the final third at the moment.
The dynamic of Gnonto’s quality in tight areas from the start, with James then coming off the bench as a super sub seems like the best dynamic on that right-hand-side.
Where is Gnonto at fitness wise for Leeds?
As mentioned, the £3.8 million star missed both matches against Watford and Hull City as a result of a hamstring injury on international duty.
Gnonto’s return at Coventry City actually came as a real surprise, as Farke had not earmarked him to be back fit until the game against Middlesbrough on April 22.
Here is the most recent update we have had from Farke on Gnonto’s fitness, ahead of him potentially starting at the weekend.
Farke said on Monday: “Have to be careful with Roberts. Felt something late in the game. Took him out of training yesterday, no new injury, precaution.
“Same with Gnonto – muscle tired. Probably available, but can’t say if more minutes than Saturday. Not ready for 90 minutes until Middlesbrough,”