The Whites forward might be named to the starting lineup against Ryan Lowe’s side.
Leeds United leave Elland Road this afternoon to face Preston North End in the Championship on Boxing Day at Deepdale.
The Whites are coming off a 4-0 win against Ipswich Town and can close the gap to the Tractor Boys to four points with a win before their encounter against Leicester City this evening.
With two games in four days, head coach Daniel Farke may make changes to his starting lineup, which Wilfried Gnonto could profit from.
After a few unimpressive performances from Dan James, the German tactician must finally unleash the Italy international from the outset, as the 20-year-old ace might be a thrilling alternative on the wing alongside Crysencio Summerville on the opposite side.
In his last three starts for the Whites, James has managed zero goals and one critical pass, and his lack of impact at the top of the pitch may see him drop out of the XI for Gnonto.
Season stats for Gnonto
The 5’7″ whiz has only started six Championship games this season, with his last appearance for Leeds coming against Stoke in October.
He has one goal and one assist in the division so far, but his lack of consistent starts has prevented him from finding his stride in the final third.
Gnonto rated among the top 19% of Premier League wingers in assists per 90 minutes last season, with four assists in 14 top-flight starts.
This demonstrates that the Leeds teenager, who journalist Josh Bunting previously hailed as a “beautiful” footballer, has the potential to be a fantastic creative danger down the right flank at his best.
A start against Preston tonight might kickstart his campaign by giving him a chance to exhibit his skills, especially with the January transfer market approaching.
Season statistics for Summerville
On the left side of the attack, Gnonto may form one half of a dynamic wing partnership with Summerville, who has been in superb form this season.
The Dutch forward has been a continuous threat in the Championship’s final third and is a significant threat to opposing defences out wide.
With his tempting throw into the six-yard box that rebounded off the left-back and into the back of the net, he has an eye-catching 11 goals and six assists for the Whites.
Summerville has more goals than any of his Leeds teammates and presently leads the team in critical passes (3.1) and dribbles completed (2.7) per game.
With his ability to both score and create goals from a left wing position, the 22-year-old wizard has been a great attacking force at the top end of the pitch for the Whites this season, according to these statistics.
With his aggressive running, he can frighten opposing defenders and get spectators off their feet, which is something Gnonto, with his creative potential, may aim to supply on the opposite wing.
With their pace, movement, and skill on the wings, they might cause ongoing issues for Preston, which is why Farke must unleash them both.
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