Leeds United face Coventry City in the Championship tomorrow afternoon, knowing they can’t afford to slip up if they are to beat Ipswich Town and Leicester City to the crown.
Excitement is rising ahead of the Championship season’s final stretch, as Leeds United hope to finish strong and secure promotion back to the Premier League. The Whites have had a remarkable 2024, with Daniel Farke’s team scoring 41 points out of a possible 45 to place themselves solidly in the title race.
However, United travel to play-off chasing Coventry City this weekend knowing there is little room for mistake in the battle for a top-two spot. Leaders Ipswich Town and Leicester City are undoubtedly two of the most formidable teams to have competed at this level in recent years.
So, will Farke make any personnel changes for his trip to the CBS Arena? Will he stick with the starting XI that defeated Hull City on Easter Monday?
It appears unlikely that Ilia Gruev will be risked tomorrow afternoon. The cultured midfielder has missed the past two games owing to an ankle injury received while on international duty with Bulgaria.
His absence in the midfield engine room has been felt strongly, notably in the first hour at Watford, when United struggled to find their rhythm and dominate proceedings. “Ilia is important for our rhythm, sometimes to calm the game down or sweep it up,” Farke told reporters. “He’s precise and superb at passing. He’s neat on the ball and likes to keep it under pressure.”
Assuming Gruev is unavailable for selection, Archie Gray will play center alongside Glen Kamara. Farke might shift Ethan Ampadu to central midfield, but the German will be hesitant to change the Wales international’s position given the great combination he has formed at the heart of their defence with Joe Rodon. Sam Byram and Junior Firpo will most likely continue to play fullback.
The three in front of Gray and Kamara chose themselves, with Wilfried Gnonto still out injured, leaving Farke to decide who should lead the assault. Mateo Joseph has pushed his claim for a starting spot with impressive performances off the bench throughout the Easter weekend.
However, Farke said at his pre-match press conference that he will stay with Patrick Bamford and give the seasoned forward another chance to recapture his best form.
Coventry’s predicted starting XI is Meslier; Byram, Rodon, Ampadu, Firpo; Gray, Kamara; James, Rutter, Summerville; and Bamford.
