Leeds United are gearing up for their most challenging match of the season on Friday evening as they prepare to visit Leicester City.
Despite holding a respectable third place in the Championship, the Whites find themselves a significant 14 points behind league leaders Leicester, who have achieved a record-breaking start to the campaign with 13 victories out of 14 matches.
Manager Daniel Farke may not be overly worried about the quality of the opposition, but he does have some decisions to make regarding the team’s approach. It remains uncertain whether a more pragmatic strategy would be favorable.
Nevertheless, following their comprehensive triumph over Huddersfield Town in their previous outing, it would be a bold move for Farke to drop any player from the starting eleven.
Considering this, here is our projected Leeds lineup for the upcoming match.
Despite making a mistake that resulted in Huddersfield scoring a late consolation goal, Illan Meslier retains his spot as the goalkeeper.
In his press conference on Wednesday, Farke confirmed that both Joe Rodon and Sam Byram would be available for the match, provided they came through yesterday’s training session unharmed. If this is the case, both players are expected to start, even with Junior Firpo’s return to the squad for the first time this season. Pascal Struijk, of course, will also feature in the starting lineup.
The right-back position poses Farke’s most significant decision. Jamie Shackleton started in the previous match, but considering Archie Gray had a proper rest, it would not be surprising if he makes a comeback.
It appears that Farke has finally settled on his preferred midfield pairing, with Glen Kamara and Ethan Ampadu likely to start alongside each other once again.
Similar to Byram and Rodon, Crysencio Summerville has also been given the green light to play. Following his impressive recent performances, he will maintain his place on the left flank, with Dan James occupying the opposite side.
Leeds have been somewhat vulnerable in their away matches against tough opponents thus far, and may be tempted to replace their £10.5 million summer signing Joel Piroe with Patrick Bamford. However, it would come as a major surprise if Farke were to make that decision, meaning Piroe will once again start just behind Georginio Rutter.
Projected Starting XI: Meslier; Gray, Rodon, Struijk, Byram; Ampadu, Kamara; James, Piroe, Summerville; Rutter.
