Daniel Farke wins praise as Leeds gather momentum

Daniel Farke is beginning to receive deserved credit as Leeds United continue to build momentum following what was a disappointing start to the season.

Leeds’ resurgence has been particularly evident at Elland Road, where their intensity and physicality have caused serious problems for visiting sides.

Speaking to AceOdds, former Leeds and Chelsea midfielder Jody Morris praised Leeds’ growing confidence after a slow start to the season and weighed in on the debate between Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Danny Welbeck, while also addressing Ollie Watkins’ recent dip in form.

Farke’s Leeds hitting their stride after slow start

Leeds are beginning to look like a side that has moved beyond merely surviving in the division and is instead starting to impose itself, particularly at Elland Road, where their physicality and intensity have become defining features of their recent performances.

“They battered Chelsea at Elland Road as well. Took us to the cleaners.”

Despite early setbacks, Farke has remained under scrutiny, something that now feels increasingly unfair given Leeds’ trajectory.

“I’m buzzing for Daniel Farke because I think whenever they go through a bad run and even the previous time they were trying to get up, I felt he came under some unjust criticism.”

“I’m pleased for Leeds. I think the Premier League is a better place with Leeds in it. Amazing atmosphere at the stadium.”

On the pitch, Leeds have developed into one of the more awkward opponents to face in the top flight, combining physical dominance with growing confidence.

“I think they’ve been difficult to play against. They started slowly, but the game before Chelsea they’d done great and got a draw, and then they battered us and have gone from strength to strength. Calvert-Lewin scoring goals left, right and centre.”

A key part of that success has been their ability to impose themselves physically, particularly in home fixtures.

“I think it’s their all-round game. They’re difficult to play against, especially at Elland Road. When you’re talking about competing and winning first and second balls, that’s how they dominated Chelsea - and they’ve done it to a few teams now.”

“They’re now building on that. From going from just being difficult to play against, they’re now looking confident. They’re looking like they can score goals.”

With Leeds stabilising and improving, there is optimism about what Farke can achieve in the long term.

“I’m pleased for Daniel Farke, but I’m also pleased for everyone involved at Leeds. They’ve had a tough time over the years, and cementing themselves back as Premier League regulars would be great for everyone involved.”

United return to action at home to Fulham this weekend, and they’re currently priced at 23/20 to pick up all three points. If you fancy backing them to get the job done, you can check out our free bet calculator to see how much you could stand to earn.

Welbeck favoured over Calvert-Lewin in England selection debate

The conversation then shifted to England’s forward options, with debate over whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin can force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s squad and whether Danny Welbeck should be ahead of him in the pecking order.

“If we’re comparing the two at the moment, I’d take Danny Welbeck over Dominic Calvert-Lewin, just because he’s been doing it for longer and his style of play would suit international football a bit more.”

While Calvert-Lewin remains a clear aerial threat, there are questions about how his profile fits into England’s tactical needs.

“I know Calvert-Lewin is a threat once you get in the box and whip crosses and stuff like that. Maybe if he was looking at bringing on a sub and chucking balls into the box. But I think Welbeck can offer that as well.”

The discussion also touched on Ollie Watkins, whose recent goal drought has arguably overshadowed his wider contribution.

“The reason I’m saying that is because I’m on a WhatsApp group and we were having the same conversation about the way Ollie Watkins is being overlooked because he’s been having a poor time goals-wise. I think it’s a little bit harsh because he’s gone through a dry spell, but what about the spells before?”

“He’s come off the bench for England and scored goals in tournaments. I’d still have him around there. Whether you bring in Rashford as a wide-left player and he can then do the No. 9, I’m not so sure.”

Both Welbeck and Calvert-Lewin were praised for their professionalism and longevity in the Premier League.

“But yeah, fair play to both Danny Welbeck and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. For Welbz, he’s been doing it for so long and he’s been such a great player for Brighton. Annoyingly enough, he always scores against Chelsea as well.”

“With Calvert-Lewin, I’m just pleased for him from a staying-fit perspective because he’s had so many injury troubles. Similar to Reece James, when you get back to fitness and start gaining confidence again, once you’re a good player it never goes away.”

Ultimately, though, the verdict was clear.

“Fair play to both of them. They’re no spring chickens, but if we were to look at the pair of them and compare, I’d go Welbeck over Calvert-Lewin all day.”

Read more as Jody Morris offers Chelsea some transfer advice