Both managers have now had their moment in front of the cameras that is the compulsory ‘press briefing’ ahead of each tie. Daniel Farke faced the Leeds’ PR inquisition yesterday and this afternoon West Ham’s Nuno Espirito Santo took his turn.

Both played the managerial cat and mouse that wily head coaches often indulge in – rather than giving their opponent any clue as to the team or the set up they’re likely to put out, both managers hinted at top players being absent for the clash. As reported in theleedspress.com:

“Leeds United already have a major doubt for Sunday’s game after Dominic Calvert-Lewin pulled up in training, with Farke confirming his status on Thursday. The striker was on international duty with England this week, but only played just around 30 minutes before he returned to Leeds. “

 Meanwhile one day later Farke’s opposite number was deploying  the same dark arts- with his own ‘frankness’, ‘misdirection’ or a smoke screen:

Nuno Espirito Santo also has issues of his own, as he has confirmed the availability of West Ham star Crysencio Summerville:

“First, we have to assess him, if it’s good, if he feels good, but we are...