The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Friday 17th October) - Harrison scripted to start against Burnley

[Ellandback1]

Good Morning. It's Friday 17th October, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...


Harrison scripted to start at Burnley

During yesterday’s press conference, Leeds United manager Daniel Farke confirmed what many fans suspected after an International break— injury chaos has struck again. The German tactician revealed he’ll be without Wilfred Gnonto, Dan James, and, most likely, Noah Okafor, who has managed to aggravate his groin injury just in time for the weekend fixture. He also announced that Karl Darlow will continue between the posts, despite Lucas Perri being back to full fitness.

One might think this is a good opportunity for a tactical reshuffle or a bold new approach, but anyone who has followed Farke’s managerial habits knows better — change is not in his vocabulary unless absolutely mandated by fate.

So, what can we expect at Burnley? In a word: repetition. The line-up will almost certainly mirror last week’s, the week before, and quite possibly the one before that too. Continuity is Farke’s mantra, and while consistency can breed stability, it also makes you wonder if he’s ever tempted to shuffle the deck. The only likely alteration will see Jack Harrison fill the void left by Okafor — a swap so predictable it may have already been scripted.

Harrison spent the International Break in Marbella at a private training camp. Now, call me cynical, but that’s a stroke of timing worthy of a standing ovation. Just as Leeds face an injury to one of their leading players, up pops Harrison, sun-kissed and match-ready. Coincidence? Maybe the Leeds United PR machine has been working overtime, ensuring his extra training was well publicised. I feel so used....





Harry Gray set to commit his future to Leeds Utd

Daniel Farke has dropped a major hint that teen sensation Harry Gray could soon put pen to paper on his first professional contract with the club, ending speculation about his future. Gray, who turned 17 earlier this month, recently became eligible to sign professional terms—an important milestone for one of the academy’s brightest young prospects. Although the striker is currently sidelined with a hip flexor injury and will miss the upcoming trip to Burnley, Farke’s comments this week have given fans plenty of reason for optimism.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Farke suggested that talks are progressing well behind the scenes. “Normally, we only speak once business is done—this is one of my principles,” he explained. “But of course, behind the scenes we are building for the future. Harry is a young player, yes, but we see a lot in him. I expect there will be some positive news in the future.”

The Leeds boss also acknowledged that the timing of any announcement might align with Gray’s return to full fitness. “It makes sense to confirm a new contract once a player is fit and available,” Farke added, implying that Gray’s situation could be resolved soon after he rejoins training.

Gray has already made two senior matchday squads this season and continues to attract attention for his maturity, work rate, and technical ability. Despite not yet making his competitive first-team debut, his progress has been closely monitored within the club. Expected back in team training next week, Gray looks set to play a growing role in Leeds United’s long-term plans—a development that underlines Farke’s strategy of blending youthful talent with experience for the future.

[Sean_Nile]

Feeling used.

[ruttermania]

Given that there has been a significant change in both playing style and personnel in the transition to the Premiership it is flying in the face of reality to suggest that Farke is unable to change . It would be far more correct to state that he is not a believer in change for changes sake and he certainly isn't a 'tinkerer' and i for one am happy with that. When DF steadied the ship and brought calm and coherence after relegation and rebuilt a squad that had been ravaged by loan clauses and player defections we were told that he should be sacked because he should have got us promoted with a superior squad. Look at Luton ! When he regrouped after Playoff defeat and led us to a stunning Championship win we were told he should be sacked because he hadn't done it in the Prem. Look at the Blades after their Playoff Defeat . Farke can't help that he isn't Bielsa but isn't it about time that he got recognition for what he has done and accept that he has proven that he can build a team capable of competing which after the last 6 promoted sides is an achievement in itself.

[VinnysTattoo]

No problem for me that Harrison starts especially given the growing injury list.

Let’s hope he plays like the way we know he can. Big opportunity for him I reckon.

[DDB220]

Given that there has been a significant change in both playing style and personnel in the transition to the Premiership it is flying in the face of reality to suggest that Farke is unable to change . It would be far more correct to state that he is not a believer in change for changes sake and he certainly isn't a 'tinkerer' and i for one am happy with that. When DF steadied the ship and brought calm and coherence after relegation and rebuilt a squad that had been ravaged by loan clauses and player defections we were told that he should be sacked because he should have got us promoted with a superior squad. Look at Luton ! When he regrouped after Playoff defeat and led us to a stunning Championship win we were told he should be sacked because he hadn't done it in the Prem. Look at the Blades after their Playoff Defeat . Farke can't help that he isn't Bielsa but isn't it about time that he got recognition for what he has done and accept that he has proven that he can build a team capable of competing which after the last 6 promoted sides is an achievement in itself.

I do not disagree with what you have said. However, for DF to prove the doubters wrong he must ensure our survival this season. That is the benchmark set given his history at this level. For me, with what he has at his disposal he is doing a good job. With some fans, whatever approach he adopts will be considered flawed. I have no doubt if we stay up, some will say he had everything he needed and should have done better…blah, blah, blah. Probably accompanied by “If you don’t believe me here is a comparison from 1922/23 season’.

The reliance on certain attacking players has withered on the vine for this season. We have a more solid pragmatic team, which is primarily based on hard yards, positional organisation, workrate, team spirit and strength. We tried to get some perceived stardust in during the summer and those transfers did not work out. Pretty much because the market place is a tough sell for a newly promoted club with restricted finances.

So the attacks against DF are now focused upon different metrics. For me - and this is not about stifling debate, which is often rolled out, the endless attacks are becoming repetitive and to a certain degree desperate.

I have no doubt if he picks Darlow as expected and the result does not go our way, the fact he picked him over Perri will be a feast for some. Quoting the transfer figure, his experience at top level etc etc.

I have no problem with criticism, no one is beyond reproach and nor should they be, but much of what I read on here is just based on any and every tenuous point, because the poster does not like DF as the manager.

[Prisoner37]

Having our two wide players more defensively minded could make for a dour encounter at Turf Moor.

A prediction I'm not too bothered about as long as we come away with something on Saturday afternoon.

With our wings being locked down a bit more we may see our attacking threat coming though central midfield.

I for one am happy for Darlow to continue, he has earnt the right not to be dropped thus far.

[Irish Ian]

A bold new approach. .....I have been calling it for years at Leeds.

That washing powder they have been using does not bring out that bluey whiteness of the likes of Persil and Surf. And Daz is too expensive.

The only upside to using Bold has been that it makes Aaronson itchy leading to him running about a lot in a vain attempt to relieve his suffering.

Perhaps we could experiment with Daz, it begins with the same letter as both the boss and of course our centre forward.
Might be a good omen.

[Ellandback1]

Given that there has been a significant change in both playing style and personnel in the transition to the Premiership it is flying in the face of reality to suggest that Farke is unable to change . It would be far more correct to state that he is not a believer in change for changes sake and he certainly isn't a 'tinkerer' and i for one am happy with that. When DF steadied the ship and brought calm and coherence after relegation and rebuilt a squad that had been ravaged by loan clauses and player defections we were told that he should be sacked because he should have got us promoted with a superior squad. Look at Luton ! When he regrouped after Playoff defeat and led us to a stunning Championship win we were told he should be sacked because he hadn't done it in the Prem. Look at the Blades after their Playoff Defeat . Farke can't help that he isn't Bielsa but isn't it about time that he got recognition for what he has done and accept that he has proven that he can build a team capable of competing which after the last 6 promoted sides is an achievement in itself.

This game sees Burnley’s Scott Parker face Leeds’ Daniel Farke – the bottom two managers for Premier League points-per-game averages of any to oversee 50+ games in the competition’s history, with Parker averaging 0.75 (P59 W10 D14 L35) per game and Farke 0.61 (P56 W8 D10 L38).

[Irish Ian]

This game sees Burnley’s Scott Parker face Leeds’ Daniel Farke – the bottom two managers for Premier League points-per-game averages of any to oversee 50+ games in the competition’s history, with Parker averaging 0.75 (P59 W10 D14 L35) per game and Farke 0.61 (P56 W8 D10 L38).

So what?

[ruttermania]

The problem with that stat is that for 48 of those games DF was given no reasonable prospect of success being constrained by the Delia Smith recipe for Premiership failure . Together with the recruitment team he has proven that they have learned some of the lessons both from the failures of Norwich and the last 6 promoted sides . I accept that there is room for criticism of decisions made but it should be based on a fair assessment of the record taking all of the circumstances into account . To suggest that someone is incapable of change when the evidence of a dramatic shift in style to cope with a new challenge seems to me to fly in the face of the evidence . Last season we were largely winning games from a dominant position and it made sense not to react to minor blips by tinkering and if as we say it's a results business then the outcome justified DF's belief in his process . This year we face a very different challenge but the broad shape of what it is sought to achieve seems to be working and therefore it's important to have someone at the helm who doesn't overreact to what were largely some of those unfortunate bounces of the ball that happen in sport.

[Ellandback1]

So what?

In the cryptic cosmos of competitive football, statistics operate as the clandestine codex through which the game’s esoteric truths are deciphered. Beneath the apparent chaos of motion and muscle lies an intricate tapestry of quantifiable phenomena—possession percentages, expected goals, and pass completion coefficients—that collectively disclose patterns invisible to the untrained gaze. These numerical hieroglyphs illuminate the psychological and physiological oscillations of players, revealing both latent tendencies and anomalous deviations with almost oracular precision.

For the expert analyst, football statistics are not mere empirical recordings but instruments of revelation, exposing the concealed architecture of tactical ingenuity and strategic transmutation. Thus, in their labyrinthine complexity, such data conjure a sense of intellectual mystery—an enigmatic equilibrium between the calculable and the ineffable essence of the world’s most universal sport.

[Cjay]

To prove doubters wrong we must survive.

Simple as that.

Doubters inside and outside our support.

We have been competitive so far which is to credit.

But nothing is proven yet, not all relegated teams have been hopeless.

Long way to go.

Harrison is here, he has a lot to prove himself, if he starts on Saturday then he better start then.

Burnley away is a game where we should be looking for the win imo, DF tends to go for a must not lose approach away from home so let's see.

[Irish Ian]

In the cryptic cosmos of competitive football, statistics operate as the clandestine codex through which the game’s esoteric truths are deciphered. Beneath the apparent chaos of motion and muscle lies an intricate tapestry of quantifiable phenomena—possession percentages, expected goals, and pass completion coefficients—that collectively disclose patterns invisible to the untrained gaze. These numerical hieroglyphs illuminate the psychological and physiological oscillations of players, revealing both latent tendencies and anomalous deviations with almost oracular precision.

For the expert analyst, football statistics are not mere empirical recordings but instruments of revelation, exposing the concealed architecture of tactical ingenuity and strategic transmutation. Thus, in their labyrinthine complexity, such data conjure a sense of intellectual mystery—an enigmatic equilibrium between the calculable and the ineffable essence of the world’s most universal sport.

What AI do you use?

[hector]

What AI do you use?

I was about to ask if he has been snorting the toilet duck again

[Ellandback1]

What AI do you use?

https://toolbaz.com/writer/ai-text-generator

[Ellandback1]

I was about to ask if he has been snorting the toilet duck again

[Irish Ian]

https://toolbaz.com/writer/ai-text-generator

stick to the toilet duck

[ElKapitan]

The problem with that stat is that for 48 of those games DF was given no reasonable prospect of success being constrained by the Delia Smith recipe for Premiership failure . Together with the recruitment team he has proven that they have learned some of the lessons both from the failures of Norwich and the last 6 promoted sides . I accept that there is room for criticism of decisions made but it should be based on a fair assessment of the record taking all of the circumstances into account . To suggest that someone is incapable of change when the evidence of a dramatic shift in style to cope with a new challenge seems to me to fly in the face of the evidence . Last season we were largely winning games from a dominant position and it made sense not to react to minor blips by tinkering and if as we say it's a results business then the outcome justified DF's belief in his process . This year we face a very different challenge but the broad shape of what it is sought to achieve seems to be working and therefore it's important to have someone at the helm who doesn't overreact to what were largely some of those unfortunate bounces of the ball that happen in sport.

Delia smith recipe for failure love it