Leeds United journey to the East Midlands for a clash against league leaders Leicester City on Friday night. The Whites are eager to close the gap on their opponents and make up some ground in the standings.
In their previous match, Leeds comfortably defeated their West Yorkshire rivals, Huddersfield Town, with a convincing 4-1 victory. They dominated the first half, leading 4-0 with goals from Dan James and Crysencio Summerville.
Following this win, Leeds now sits in third place in the table and hopes to secure their eighth league win of the season against Leicester. However, they are aware of the challenges they face as their last encounter with a relegated Premier League team resulted in a 3-1 loss to Southampton.
Leicester has been in top form this season, winning all but one of their league games, including a remarkable nine-game winning streak. They have started the season better than any team in the Championship’s history, making the task even more difficult for Leeds.
A victory for Leeds could reduce the gap between them and the top two teams, Ipswich Town and Leicester. As they prepare for the match, let’s take a look at the potential starting lineup that coach Daniel Farke could field to secure the crucial three points against Enzo Maresca’s side. Will he make any changes from the previous victory?
In goal, there is no doubt about Farke’s number-one choice. The 23-year-old talented goalkeeper has been consistent throughout the season and is expected to retain his position for the majority of the remaining matches. Although he had a less impressive performance in the last loss to Southampton, he had four clean sheets prior to that match and another one since then.
As for the defense, Farke has had to experiment due to injuries. Midfielder Gray has been deployed as a right-back, and despite being out of his natural position, he has been Farke’s preferred choice. Another option is Jamie Shackleton, who started the last game at full-back. However, it seems Gray will once again be given the opportunity to prove himself in the role.
Rodon has established himself as the starting right-sided center-back, and if he is fully fit, he is likely to continue in that position. This ensures a balance between right and left-footers in Leeds’ defense. Though Farke may want to rely on the leadership of Ayling or Cooper, he understands the importance of maintaining a strong partnership in defense. Rodon excels in both ball quality and aerial ability.
Struijk, another impressive defender, has shown consistency and reliability throughout the season. He should continue to retain his place alongside Rodon. The pair has great potential and deserves the opportunity to develop further. Struijk, even at the age of 24, has already showcased his influence within the team and has even captained the side in previous games.
At left-back, the 30-year-old Byram has been a consistent performer. Despite playing with his supposedly weaker foot, he has impressed Farke and has become a trusted player in the system. Byram’s fitness has been managed carefully due to past injury issues, but his return to Elland Road has been successful. With Firpo and Dallas nearing their return, Farke will soon have more options in this position. However, for now, Byram is likely to keep his place.
Kamara has started to shine in his role on the team. Initially used as a substitute, the 28-year-old has made a strong impact, especially in the match against Huddersfield where he replaced Ilia Gruev. Kamara’s ball retention skills under pressure, carrying ability, and accurate passing make him a great option for the team. He has been instrumental in connecting the team’s play and was particularly effective against the Terriers.
Leeds has relied heavily on Gray in this midfield role, but Farke recognizes the need to give the 17-year-old some respite. Kamara has proven himself capable of handling the responsibilities, providing support to the team at Championship level.
As Leeds prepares for their clash against Leicester, they have a strong starting lineup with talented players across the field. They are determined to secure a win and close the gap on the league leaders.
