Published Sep 19, 2026, 1:52 PM GMT+1

Leeds' English stars in flying form ahead of Palace

The Whites have found their shooting boots in the last couple of matches, netting seven across that win and the League Cup defeat to Chelsea, and they now come up against a Palace side who conceded more than anyone else in the league across the first four gameweeks.

If Leeds are going to keep punishing sides at the back, Sunday looks like the perfect opportunity.

A big part of that recent goal glut has been Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who bagged twice against the Magpies to take his season tally to four in six across all competitions, and has now earned a call-up to the England squad.

James Trafford has also been called up, but wing-backs Jayden Bogle and James Justin miss out.

Daniel Farke was full of praise for his number nine in his pre-Palace press conference, tipping him to complement Harry Kane at the top end of the pitch.

"Fully deserved," the German said. "Perfect start to the season, scored goals, delivered performances. In good rhythm, definitely deserves the call up."

Asked whether Calvert-Lewin could realistically force his way into Thomas Tuchel's starting plans alongside Kane, Farke was measured but backed his man. "Up to Thomas," he said. "Kane has a chance to win Ballon d'Or, won all the titles, unfair comparison towards Harry who is a world class player but Dom has strengths, shown consistency. Always has the right to be in the spotlight."

Farke reveals the reason behind Calvert-Lewin's form

Farke pointed to Calvert-Lewin's attitude in training and the work he's put into getting back to full physical fitness as the real reason behind his upturn in form.

"Came to us after difficult seasons with injury, needed to find rhythm and confidence in body," the manager explained. "Developed and right now, he's way more settled and takes a leadership role. Such good shape."

That professionalism, according to the Leeds boss, is non-negotiable when it comes to picking his team.

Is Calvert-Lewin Farke's best Leeds signing?

There's certainly an argument that the number nine is Farke's best piece of business since taking over at Elland Road, though the manager was reluctant to rank him above some of his other shrewd additions.

"Difficult to compare," Farke said. "For us, we've had many top signings with relatively low budget. Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka and others. He's definitely one of our better pieces of business. If you come as a free agent it doesn't mean it costs no money because of salary. We believed in him when not many did. I'd say a perfect fit."

What stands out most is just how pure a goalscorer he is. Just one assist in 45 appearances for Leeds tells its own story, but it's exactly the kind of ruthless focus in front of goal that makes him such a valuable presence as a true focal point up front.

Only six players have scored more Premier League goals for Leeds in a single campaign than his 14 last season, and on the evidence of Farke's comments about his attitude behind the scenes, there's little reason to think he can't explode beyond that tally this time around.