Leeds United and Sheffield United face off in South Yorkshire on Monday night, for what might just be the best Championship game of the season so far.
It’s certainly going to be the game between the two best teams in the league, and the game between the two teams in the best form right now.
Leeds United go into this one on a 15-game uneaten run in the Championship, fresh off the back of a 2-1 comeback win against Sunderland in their last outing.
Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United meanwhile have won their last four in the league and have won seven of their last eight too, winning away at Luton Town in their last outing.
But it’s Daniel Farke’s Leeds who sit in 1st place of the Championship table for this one, two points ahead of Sheffield United in 2nd whilst Burnley in 3rd are two points behind the Blades.
Leeds United team news vs Sheffield United, Manor Solomon update
Leeds United’s injury list is relatively short right now. The only two players definitely set to miss Monday’s game at Sheffield United are Patrick Bamford and Max Wober, who remain longer-term absentees for Farke right now.
Meanwhile, Manor Solomon could miss out on Monday. Against Sunderland last time out, Solomon took a knock following a heavy challenge from Sunderland right-back Trai Hume, with the Israeli coming off after 78 minutes.
Giving an injury update on Solomon ahead of Monday, Farke explained: “We still have Patrick Bamford and Max Wober out. They are both still unavailable. [But] there is a question mark over Manor Solomon. Obviously, he has a big bruise after a nasty tackle in the last game.”
Leeds United predicted lineup for Sheffield United as Joe Rothwell starts
The game against Sunderland will have given Farke a lot of food for thought, particularly with his second half substitute changing the game.
Pascal Struijk and Joe Rothwell came off the bench and combined for both goals. Given the poor performance of Ethan Ampadu at centre-back, Struijk could be brought into the XI for Monday – he scored in the previous win over the Blades.
Meanwhile, with Solomon injured, there’ll be a headache for Farke on the left. Sam Chambers was spotted in Leeds training this week but he’ll no doubt come off the bench if he plays at all. Wilfried Gnonto or Largie Ramazani will come into the XI, with Farke likely to leave Solomon at home as to not upset his injury further.
Here’s how we think Leeds United could line up on Monday…
Meslier (GK)
Firpo
Struijk
Rodon
Bogle
Ampadu
Rothwell
James
Aaronson
Gnonto
Piroe
