Leeds United travel to face Portsmouth this afternoon, looking to strengthen their grip on top spot in the Championship and extend their unbeaten run to 18 matches.
Daniel Farke’s side come into the meeting on the South Coast after a 1-1 draw against play-off-chasing West Brom at Elland Road last Saturday afternoon.
The Whites will be hoping to right the wrongs of the previous meeting with John Mousinho’s side on the opening day, with the two sides playing out a 3-3 draw in Yorkshire.
If Farke is to claim another three points this afternoon, they will have to produce an improved display from the last outing, which saw them struggle to break down Tony Mowbray’s side.
He could look to brutally drop one player from his starting eleven after he failed to impress within the final third throughout the draw at Elland Road just over a week ago.
Manor Solomon’s stats against West Brom
Winger Manor Solomon has been a key player since his loan move from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer, registering seven goals and seven assists in his 28 Championship outings.
However, his showing against West Brom was arguably one of his worst during his temporary stint in Yorkshire, being withdrawn after 79 minutes.
The Israeli lost possession 13 times during the draw, only winning one of the six duels he entered, falling way below the high standards he’s set for himself in recent months.
He also failed to complete any of his attempted dribbles and made one successful cross out of the four he produced – failing to offer that final product he’s so often produced this campaign.
As a result, Farke could look to drop the 25-year-old from the side this afternoon, replacing him with one other first-team member who could revive one of his teammates in the process.
The player who could revive Aaronson against Portsmouth
Brendan Aaronson has been a player who has divided opinion over the last few months, failing to replicate his showings from the early weeks of the season.
However, the American has only registered one combined goal and assist in 2025, highlighting the struggles he’s faced over the last couple of months.
A recall for Italian winger Wilfried Gnonto could allow the former RB Salzburg ace to recapture his form, with the youngster needing a recall after Solomon’s disappointing showing last week.
Gnonto, who’s previously been dubbed a “monster” by one analyst, hasn’t started a league game since the 1-0 win over Derby County at the end of December but has the tools to link up with Aaronson to revive the American star.
The Italian has completed 1.9 dribbles per 90 this season, along with 5.4 touches in the opposition box per game, his ability in the final third allowing the attacking midfielder to pick him out with his 83% pass accuracy.
Games played
32
Goals & assists
10
Pass accuracy
82%
Successful dribbles
1.9
Touches in opposition box
5.4
Chances created
2.1
Shots taken
3.1
The winger has also created 2.1 chances per 90, having the tools to return the favour to his teammate in attacking areas, potentially offering a huge threat in the final third for Farke’s side.
After such a long period without a start, Gnonto is more than deserving of an opportunity to remind the boss what he’s capable of, looking to return to his previous high levels of performance.
Whilst Pompey are a side who are in the bottom half, it’s a meeting that can’t be taken lightly, with the Italian having the star quality to provide the goods to extend their unbeaten run.
Leeds dud who's been "abysmal" out on loan must never wear the shirt again
Leeds United need to cash in on one player who’s failed to impress away from Elland Road in 2024/25.
1 ByEthan LambMar 7, 2025