Leeds United have an international break before their match with Sheffield United next week, and two players are on the cusp of a yellow card punishment.
Leeds should have gone into the international break full of confidence that they would re-establish their domination in the division, since they were level on points at the top.
However, a costly moment in the dying moments against Sunderland meant they could only manage a draw against the league leaders, as attention moves to a looming game with Sheffield United on the other side of the international break.
Leeds’ biggest test yet after international break v unbeaten Sheffield United
Leeds should be confident heading into their next match against Sunderland after outplaying them for the duration of the game on Friday.
They will next face Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United, who are now on 19 points and would be two points ahead of them if not for an EFL-imposed two-point deduction to begin their campaign following relegation.
The Blades are currently the only unbeaten team in the EFL after a comfortable 2-0 win over Luton Town at the weekend, thanks to a birthday brace from former Leeds United target Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.
Their unbeaten streak includes an incredible six consecutive clean sheets, with no goals conceded since their 1-1 draw with Norwich City despite facing four of the bottom six thus far.
Leeds face suspension tightrope on Joe Rodon and Jayden Bogle ahead of Blades visit
Joe Rodon and Jayden Bogle both received yellow cards against Sunderland on Friday, bringing their totals to four this season.
That means Leeds are one booking away from a one-match suspension going into perhaps their toughest test yet.
The two, who signed for £15 million in the summer, have started all games this season but may need to sit out shortly.
According to EFL rules, the five yellow card verdict for a one-match punishment expires after game 19 of the season, giving Bogle and Rodon 10 games to avoid a booking before the threshold increases to 10 cautions.
Given that Bogle and Rodon have four bookings in nine games combined, it appears highly likely that both will be suspended for one match.
With Max Wöber out for another five weeks and Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev sidelined indefinitely, Daniel Farke may face another defensive dilemma shortly.