Leeds boss Daniel Farke is expecting Wayne Rooney’s struggling Birmingham to ‘fight with the knife between the teeth’ when they visit Elland Road on New Year’s Day.
While Leeds have suffered back-to-back defeats, Birmingham are on an even more desperate run having won just two of 14 matches since Rooney took charge in October.
The Blues have slipped to only two places above the relegation zone but Farke is warning his players of a backlash.
‘Birmingham had a really good start to the season so it shows they have quality. They have very experienced players at this level, and experience and quality can change the momentum in this league pretty quick.
Daniel Farke is expecting Wayne Rooney’s struggling Birmingham to ‘fight with the knife between the teeth’ as they face Leeds
He also told his Leeds players that they can’t disrespect opponents after consecutive losses
Farke believes Rooney’s side are expecting a difficult game but will fight for the win
‘We have to make sure we win the momentum back, and not them.
‘For them also it is a difficult away game, let’s be honest. So I expect a side that will fight with the knife between the teeth to win the momentum back because they also know with a good result at Elland Road, it would be a massive boost for their hopes.
‘We have to be respectful. I expect a team who although they have also had a difficult spell will be highly motivated to win the points. For that, we have to be ready again.’
Farke might reshuffle his attacking options again after starting with Patrick Bamford and Dan James on the bench for Friday’s narrow 1-0 defeat at West Brom.
Leeds are in fourth place but nine points behind Ipswich in the final automatic promotion position.
‘I don’t speak yet about a big target of promotion after relegation. You have to work in steps,’ explained Farke.
‘The first job was to not struggle at the wrong end of the table. First step, check.’ added Farke.
‘The second step was to be close to the top six. Again, check. Now the next step is to try and get to position three rather than six.
He’s also looking for Italian international winger Wilfried Gnonto to add the final touches to his game in the second half of the season having failed to force a move to the Premier League in August.
‘It was a difficult start to the season for Willie. Then there was an injury for a few week and in his position, Dan James was fantastic,’ added Farke.
‘Willie is on the right path. He just needs that goal or assist in a decisive moment for his confidence.’
