Unseen Leeds United network gives Daniel Farke vital tool in Championship fixture challenge

It feels like it's either feast or famine when it comes to the Championship fixture list. Leeds United would have loved to kept their winning momentum going following their 2-0 win over Queens Park Rangers, but instead they have had to bide their time.

It's been 15 days since that Elland Road win, but now Daniel Farke and Co have to prepare for three matches in just seven days as the fixture schedule returns with a hectic pre-Christmas run-in. Leeds have nine games still to play in 2024 which, considering December is just a week away, gives you a sense of what the coming month will look like.

United return to action against Swansea City on Sunday before hosting Luton Town on Wednesday and then making the short trip to Lancashire to face Blackburn Rovers next Saturday. There then follows a rare blank midweek before the schedule kicks in again, although at least they only have to travel as far as Preston, Derby and Stoke.

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It's not a challenge unique to the Whites, of course, with the managers across the EFL facing up to the task, but it's vital Leeds maintain their promotion charge heading into the new year. Farke is hugely experienced at this level, though, and is well versed in the delicate art of preparing for one game with the knowledge of another to follow in a few days.

"My approach is game after game," Farke said ahead of the match at Swansea. "Just focus on this game, do not think about the next. I won't know how the first game is, whether it's successful or a loss or draw. Can you sub someone and rest them for the next game or do they need to play 90?

"In the background, my analysis team will look at Luton and Blackburn already. On Saturday night, all the prep for Swansea is done and I may watch Luton then, without talking to the players.

"After the game, from Sunday night onwards we focus on Luton. We have to prepare and I cannot start then because it's too late, so it's important my team are already looking at Luton."

Leeds will be hoping to improve their away form in coming weeks, but know three of their next five fixtures are at Elland Road.

Leeds United's fixtures - November/December

NOVEMBER

• Sunday 24: Swansea City (A)

• Wednesday 27: Luton Town (H)

• Saturday 30: Blackburn Rovers (A)

DECEMBER

• Saturday 7: Derby Co (H)

• Tuesday 10: Middlesbrough (H)

• Saturday 14: Preston (A)

• Saturday 21: Oxford United (H)

• Thursday 26: Stoke City (A)

• Sunday 29: Derby Co (A)