Daniel Farke has some decisions to make with his Leeds United starting lineup as they prepare for a huge Championship clash with Leicester on Friday night.
The Whites claimed a hugely important win over Plymouth Argyle last time out to claim second spot in the table once again, while Leicester suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Middlesbrough to see their lead at the top of the table cut to nine points.
But with a schedule that has seen them with four games in 13 days, the boss has some decisions to make with his team with several players returning to contention.
Leeds United’s defence has been fantastic
Illan Meslier has so far conceded just one goal in 2024 with eight wins from eight, and with Karl Darlow still not quite fully fit after his hand injury there is no doubt he’ll start the game.
Ahead of him the options are more limited in defence, with Sam Byram still having trouble with a hamstring problem while Pascal Struijk and Stuart Dallas are still long-term absentees.
That means Archie Gray and Junior Firpo will continue in the full-back positions, with Connor Roberts deputising from the bench, while Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu will surely continue at centre-back with Liam Cooper and Charlie Cresswell having to settle for a place on the sidelines.
With Ampadu continuing at the back, Ilia Gruev and Glen Kamara should continue in central midfield with their pairing blossoming and dominating games regularly at the moment.
Daniel James to come back into the Leeds lineup?
The attacking unit has been sensational so far in 2024 with eight consecutive wins, and with the team unbeaten at Elland Road this season, it’s because they’ve been able to outscore everyone.
Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter are all but assured of their place in the team with their form this season, while Joel Piroe should get the start too with Patrick Bamford ruled out with a calf injury.
Daniel James will be keen to get back in the team after his form pre-injury, but with Wilfried Gnonto having five goals in his last five games the Italian should see the Welsh winger benched instead.
