Leeds’ Daniel Farke on Sunderland’s Game Plan in Pre-Match Presser

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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has given his fitness update and previewed the Premier League Matchweek 8 fixture at Sunderland. The match is at the Stadium of Light on Sunday 25 October, with kick-off at 4.30pm and Stuart Attwell as referee.

The main themes were three injury doubts, the chance of late fitness decisions, and what he expects from a Sunderland side who are 20th in the table. Leeds are 7th with 10 points from seven matches.

Calvert-Lewin’s foot injury

“Dominic Calvert-Lewin got a tackle and a foul late on in the last game and he is struggling since this moment with a bruise on his foot.”

What he said

Farke explained how Dominic Calvert-Lewin picked up his problem: a tackle and a foul late on in Leeds’ previous match. He said the forward has been struggling with a bruised foot since that moment.

What he meant

Analysis: Farke described a bruise and did not suggest a long-term problem. It still affects selection ahead of a Sunday 4.30pm kick-off. Leeds are already without Mateo Joseph (cruciate ligament tear) and Joe Rodon (hamstring injury), so another absence would add to an existing list.

Calvert-Lewin’s training status

“It has improved over the last days but he was not involved in team training yet.”

What he said

Farke gave an update on Calvert-Lewin’s progress. He said the foot has improved over recent days but the player has not yet taken part in team training.

What he meant

Analysis: The update has one positive and one limit. Calvert-Lewin is getting better, but he has not yet done the group work that would normally show he is ready to play. Farke gave no date for a return to training, which keeps the situation open.

Three players in doubt

“If the game would be today, all three wouldn’t be available.”

What he said

Farke grouped Calvert-Lewin, Stach and Okafor together as doubts. He said none of the three would be available if the match were being played now.

What he meant

Analysis: With Joseph and Rodon already out, five Leeds players are either absent or uncertain. Farke’s wording, ‘if the game would be today’, leaves room for recovery before Sunday. It is also a clear signal that none of the three is currently fit.

Late fitness decisions

“We will have to assess them and we will need to take some late decisions.”

What he said

Farke said the club will assess the three doubtful players and expects to make some decisions late. He did not say which of the players might be involved.

What he meant

Analysis: Farke committed to no outcome for any of the three. He is leaving the decisions until close to kick-off, which suggests the squad for Sunday may not be settled until then. Supporters should expect the team news to depend on those assessments.

Daniel James in contention

“He is definitely also in contention for this game.”

What he said

Asked about Daniel James, Farke said the player is in contention for the trip to Sunderland. It was the one clearly positive piece of availability news in his update.

What he meant

Analysis: After three doubts and two confirmed absences, James being in contention gives Farke another option. He used the word ‘definitely’, which is firmer than his language about the other three players. He gave no further detail on James’s condition.

Sunderland’s league position

“I’m pretty sure they won’t finish in the position in which they currently are.”

What he said

Farke was asked about Sunderland and said he does not expect them to end the season in their current position. Sunderland are 20th with 4 points from seven matches, with one win, one draw and five defeats.

What he meant

Analysis: Farke is declining to treat the table as the full picture of Sunderland. Their record is 6 goals scored and 14 conceded, and they have taken 1 point from their last five league matches (no wins, one draw, four defeats). Leeds are six points ahead after two wins, four draws and one defeat, so the comment reads as a caution against complacency.

What Leeds expect from Sunderland

“I expect them to play to their DNA and their plan.”

What he said

Farke said he expects Sunderland to stay with their own approach at the Stadium of Light. He did not describe what that approach involves.

What he meant

Analysis: Farke does not expect Sunderland to change their approach because of their results. Leeds have conceded 6 goals in seven league matches, the same number Sunderland have scored. Sunderland are also without Romaine Mundle (knee) and Brian Brobbey (hamstring).

Backing his strikers

“I totally back my strikers to do the job.”

What he said

Farke offered public support to his strikers. The comment came as he was discussing the doubts over Calvert-Lewin and the absence of Joseph.

What he meant

Analysis: Leeds have scored 9 goals in seven league matches, and four of those matches ended in draws. Farke’s backing suggests he does not plan to change his approach in attack despite the squad news. It also shows he expects to find a line-up for Sunday from the players who are fit.

Confidence check: Measured

Farke sounded measured. He was open about the injury problems, saying none of Calvert-Lewin, Stach and Okafor would be available if the match were today, and he promised only that late decisions would be made. His one firmly positive line was that Daniel James is in contention.

On the match itself, he was respectful of Sunderland, saying he is pretty sure they will not finish in their current position and expects them to play to their DNA and plan. Leeds are 7th with 10 points, and Sunderland are 20th with 4 points from seven matches and four defeats in their last five.

His support for his strikers shows belief in his squad, even with Joseph and Rodon out and three more players uncertain.

How to watch

Sunderland vs Leeds kicks off at 4.30pm UK time on Sunday 25 October, live on Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Main Event, NOW. Subscribers can stream it on Sky Go, NOW.

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