Farke’s touchline manner
Not only will this afternoon’s game in Oslo be the first opportunity to see Leeds United in their new kit, but their new manager too. Daniel Farke has been in the job eight days and this is an early opportunity to see what he’s all about in match situations.
The German has not had long at all to work with his players, but we will see where his head is at and what his coaching style is like at this early juncture. It may only be a friendly with Manchester United, but this will still be a match Farke wants to win.
Tactics
The assumption has been Farke will continue with the 4-2-3-1 he used so religiously with Norwich City and Borussia Monchengladbach. With those players who returned on Monday unlikely to be in Norway, Farke will have one hand tied behind his back at this stage, but we should see the early signs of what he wants to achieve on the field.
Even though this will not be a full-strength Leeds side, Farke’s preferred formation, pressing style, defensive line, passing length and tempo should be showing through.
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How strong will the team will be?
With Illan Meslier and Kristoffer Klaesson excused from returning on July 3 and Joel Robles yet to take up a pre-season invitation, Dani van den Heuvel seems likely to make the goalkeeper selection straightforward for Farke. Luke Ayling, Liam Cooper and Pascal Struijk should be involved in the backline.
Georginio Rutter is also going to be someone we keep a close eye on through this summer and into August. The club’s record signing has had a difficult start to life in West Yorkshire, but this has to be a fresh start for him under Farke and, we expect, as a wide forward.
Patrick Bamford ended last season under a cloud, but he is the most senior striker who has been in full training since day one. His demeanour, attitude and performance, as always, will go under the microscope, especially in this new system under Farke.
Fringe names like Jamie Shackleton and Ian Poveda may even get the chance to turn Farke’s head. Luis Sinisterra and Junior Firpo have also travelled, suggesting they are fit to play a part.
Youngsters catching the eye?
Arguably the most interesting narratives thrown up by the summer come from those young talents who generally do not get many opportunities during the season. In this game especially, with several high-profile names expected to be absent, there is a huge window of opportunity to impress Farke.
Cody Drameh should finally play at right-back in white again after his successful loan with Luton Town. Catching a glimpse of how he fairs in Farke’s system will be intriguing ahead of what should be a breakthrough campaign at Elland Road for him.
Darko Gyabi and Archie Gray will hope to see plenty of minutes in midfield too. The former was at the centre of the club’s major kit release coverage this week, in a nod to his growing status.
Sonny Perkins and Joe Gelhardt should also hope for some match action in Scandinavia today.
Conspicuous absences
Jack Harrison and Tyler Adams did not have delayed pre-season starts, but they are not expected to be in Oslo today. That duo have been rehabilitating from injuries at Thorp Arch since returning for pre-season.
At the time of writing, Marc Roca’s loan to Real Betis had not been announced, but his omission from the Oslo group will be telling. Meslier, Crysencio Summerville, Rodrigo, Wilfried Gnonto, Helder Costa and Charlie Cresswell are all expected to be missing after their international exertions.
