Daniel Farke could make some changes to Leeds United’s starting eleven for their FA Cup fourth round replay against Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday.
The Whites were beaten to a 1-1 tie at Elland Road two weeks ago despite dominating for much of the game, and they must now go to Home Park to face Chelsea or Aston Villa later this month.
However, with a rigorous Championship calendar ahead, the manager may want to shake up his starting eleven in order to safeguard important players while still aiming for a big win for a cup run.
View: ‘Incredible’ attacker to be axed in four changes, as predicted Leeds XI vs Plymouth
With Karl Darlow still out injured, Illan Meslier is likely to preserve his spot in the team, while Kristoffer Klaesson impressed during his brief appearance while the Frenchman was suspended.
Archie Gray should start at right-back again, with Connor Roberts still ineligible to make his debut, but Sam Byram might come in ahead of Junior Firpo at left-back to provide some stability.
Joe Rodon is the club’s best central defender and will start, but captain Liam Cooper should join him this time, allowing Ethan Ampadu to return to midfield to pair the in-form Ilia Gruev.
Leeds has so much attacking depth.
The attacking section of the pitch is clearly where Daniel Farke has the greatest quality and choices, which should be evident in this game.
Crysencio Summerville and Patrick Bamford are both in fantastic form right now, with the former hailed “incredible” by Fabrizio Romano, but the manager may opt to rest both ahead of a big game against Rotherham at the weekend.
Summer acquisitions Jaidon Anthony and Joel Piroe should return to the lineup, as both have recently scored for the Whites.
Wilfried Gnonto scored his first goal since August in the win over Bristol City, which should retain him on the wing, while Georginio Rutter remains important to Farke’s style of play and should reignite his connection with Piroe at number nine.
