Leeds United take on Plymouth Argyle at home this weekend looking to get back to winning ways in the league after a stalemate last weekend.
Daniel Farke’s Leeds side are looking only at automatic promotion right now after missing out on the top two last term, and have a strong opportunity to build a run of form heading into winter.
Sitting on 23 points so far, Leeds are five adrift of top spot, but have a favourable run of games looming – starting with a home clash against Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth.
How is Darko Gyabi getting on at Plymouth?
Darko Gyabi has been a frequent starter under Rooney this season, spending a second loan with the Pilgrims after joining them in the second half of last season – seeing his stint cut short due to injury.
Gyabi has played all 12 of Plymouth’s Championship fixtures so far, as they sit on 12 points from 12 games, looking to stave off relegation for the second season running.
The Leeds youngster is Plymouth’s seventh-highest rated player this season on Sofascore with an average of 6.8 – registering one assist, but growing into his regular role in Rooney’s engine room.
Leeds v Plymouth prediction?
Confirmed: Darko Gyabi ruled out due to loan ineligibility
An issue for Rooney to overcome is that he’s forced into a significant change in midfield this week as he is without Gyabi.
The 20-year-old is ineligible to face his parent club, meaning that Rooney is going to be without Gyabi for the first time this season, a midfielder he rates highly after pushing to sign him from Leeds, saying this when he first joined the club:
“I heard really good reports about Darko from his time with Argyle last season and since watching him closely I was really keen to bring him back to the club.
“He fits the profile of midfielder I like to have within the squad, as he is good on the ball, powerful and athletic, and will fit the style of play I am looking to implement.
“It is a really exciting time with the squad due back for pre-season this week – I am delighted that Darko will be a part of that.”
A reunion should be on the cards for Adam Forshaw, though, who started last time out when the Pilgrims salvaged a draw at home to Preston from 3-0 down.
Leeds should be looking to put Rooney to the sword at home
Plymouth are the side giving up the most chances in the league while creating the fewest – in terms of expected goals either way – so the odds are thoroughly in Leeds’ favour.
However, one of the biggest games of Plymouth’s season means they’re going to be up for this, not least due to their manager’s affiliations across the Pennines.
Losing Gyabi for a game does scupper Plymouth’s hopes of imposing themselves physically on this game as well, though.
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