A look at the possibilities Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has at his disposal for tonight’s Championship match against Watford.
The pendulum has shifted Leeds United’s way in the Championship promotion race. Their unstoppable run of form in 2024 has thrown the title battle wide open.
The Whites enter the crucial Easter break at the top of the league, having scored an incredible 37 points out of a possible 39 since the turn of the year. A mouth-watering season finale appears to be on the way.
However, United lead Leicester City only on goal difference, and Enzo Maresca’s side has a game in hand. Expect additional twists and turns as the race progresses over the next few weeks.
It will be intriguing to watch what starting XI Whites manager Daniel Farke selects against Watford tonight, given the German has a lot of fitness issues in his team. Connor Roberts, Willy Gnonto, and Ilia Gruev have all returned from international service with knocks. The trio are anticipated to be given as much time as possible to demonstrate their fitness.
Georginio Rutter, a star forward, is in contention for a spot in the squad after successfully undergoing hernia surgery over the international break. “There are a few concerns,” Farke admitted. “Georginio Rutter is one of our concerns since he is on the right track; he joined us for some team training on Wednesday but was unable to participate in the entire session.
But there are still 48 hours, so I am cautiously optimistic that he will be available to join the squad.
“Connor Roberts limped off, and we’re waiting to assess him. I hope it’s not too horrible, but let’s be honest: if you hobble out of a game, you aren’t usually accessible two days later. It appears to be a muscular damage.
“The same goes for Willy Gnonto (who played for Italy Under-21s in a European Championship qualifier at home against Turkey), who experienced hamstring difficulties after the game.
“Ilia Gruev experienced ankle ligament issues following the Bulgaria game (in Azerbaijan). Again, we must wait for the assessment.”
If Junior Firpo is declared unfit to play after his international appearances with the Dominican Republic this week, Sam Byram will step in. It is hoped that Firpo will be certified fit for the matchday squad.
Pascal Struijk, a centre-back, has been out with an injury for some time, while Stuart Dallas is still unavailable for selection.
Leeds United’s squad for Watford includes Meslier, Darlow, Klaesson, Roberts, Gray, Rodon, Firpo, Byram, Cooper, Cresswell, Shackleton, Ampadu, Kamara, Gruev, James, Gnonto, Summerville, Anthony, Bamford, Piroe, Rutter, Gelhardt, Joseph.
