Daniel Farke previews Newcastle clash as Leeds United receive fitness boost

Leeds United return to Premier League action on Monday evening when Newcastle United visit Elland Road for a meeting under the floodlights.

Daniel Farke’s side have had several days to prepare for the visit of Matthias Jaissle’s Newcastle, having been in EFL Cup action in midweek, and the Leeds head coach is expecting a difficult test against a side he believes have already developed a strong identity under their new manager.

It will be Farke’s first meeting with Jaissle, who succeeded Eddie Howe in the Newcastle dugout.

Despite the managerial change on Tyneside, Farke was keen to praise the work Howe carried out during his time at the club, believing he left a significant legacy behind.

“I appreciate still so much what Eddie Howe has done,” Farke said.

“I think he has left a legacy over there and done a tremendous job over so many years. It’s never easy for a new manager to follow his footpath anyhow, but yeah, the early signs it seems like they’ve created already a strong bond.”

Farke expects Newcastle to be particularly dangerous when given opportunities to counter-attack, while acknowledging the quality available throughout Jaissle’s squad.

“They’re definitely difficult to beat. They’re very dangerous, especially out of counter-attacks, and of course we have high quality players as well,” he added.

The Leeds boss knows his side will have to be at their best, but believes the preparation time available has put them in a good position heading into Monday’s fixture.

“It will be a difficult task, but we have a few days right now to prepare and we want to be prepared in the manner that we are top, on it, and try and win there as many points as possible.”

Home advantage could prove important, with Farke once again stressing the role played by the Elland Road crowd.

Leeds have established an impressive record on home soil, and the German believes the atmosphere inside the stadium can have a major influence on his side’s performances.

“We need the support of our home supporters,” he said.

“I think the stadium also plays a big, big part of why we have such an unbelievable home record and we need a really good home record again during the season.”

Rodon remains unavailable

Farke also provided an update on his squad following Wednesday’s EFL Cup defeat.

Joe Rodon remains out of contention, but there are no fresh injury concerns heading into the Newcastle fixture.

“Obviously, Joe Rodon is still out but, apart from this, no new injury concerns so far,” Farke confirmed. “Seems like everyone else is available.”

One player who could come into contention for a starting role is Noah Okafor.

The winger was named among the substitutes for the midweek cup clash before being introduced in the second half, setting up Dominic Calvert-Lewin to score Leeds’ goal.

Farke believes there is still more to come from the Switzerland international as he continues to build towards full fitness.

“In the last weeks it was also important right now, in a week with a quick turnaround to give him a bit more time to breathe,” he explained.

“I think there’s even more to come and also fitness-wise more to come.”

Okafor was given additional rest following the cup fixture, with Farke hoping that the winger can soon reach the level required to cope with a busy run of fixtures.

“I’m looking forward to have him really, hopefully soon at 100% and he can then hopefully play whatever when there is a quick turnaround,” Farke said.

“But for him also important to get some rest yesterday and have him also fully fresh, also for a potential start on Monday.”

With Rodon the only confirmed absentee and Okafor pushing for a potential starting place, Farke heads into Monday night with the majority of his squad available.

The visit of Newcastle represents another significant test for Leeds, but with the backing of Elland Road and a largely fit squad at his disposal, Farke will be hoping his side can return to Premier League action with another important three points.