Daniel Farke must make some decisions about his Leeds United starting lineup as they prepare for a crucial Championship showdown against Leicester on Friday night.
The Whites earned a crucially significant win over Plymouth Argyle last time out to reclaim second place in the table, while Leicester lost 2-1 at home to Middlesbrough, cutting their lead at the top to nine points.
However, with a schedule that includes four games in 13 days, the manager must make some decisions with his club, as some players return to contention.
Leeds United’s defense has been excellent.
Illan Meslier has conceded just one goal in 2024, with eight victories from eight, and with Karl Darlow still having fully recovered from his hand injury, there is no question he will start the game.
Ahead of him, the defensive choices are more restricted, with Sam Byram still struggling with a hamstring injury and Pascal Struijk and Stuart Dallas still long-term absentees.
That means Archie Gray and Junior Firpo will stay in full-back, with Connor Roberts filling in on the bench, while Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu will very certainly continue at centre-back, with Liam Cooper and Charlie Cresswell forced to watch from the sidelines.
With Ampadu at the back, Ilia Gruev and Glen Kamara should continue in center midfield, where their partnership is currently developing and dominating games.
Daniel James to return to the Leeds lineup?
The attacking unit has been brilliant so far in 2024, with eight consecutive wins, and the team’s unblemished record at Elland Road this season is due to their ability to outscore opponents.
With Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter’s form this season, they are almost certain to make the lineup, and Joel Piroe should start as well, with Patrick Bamford out with a calf injury.
Daniel James will be eager to return to the club following his pre-injury form, but with Wilfried Gnonto scoring five goals in his past five games, the Italian should sideline the Welsh winger instead.
