Daniel Farke made four changes to his squad for last weekend’s 3-0 home triumph over Watford, with fit again skipper Liam Cooper, Sam Byram, Glen Kamara, and Crysencio Summerville all making their debuts.
Two of the changes were forced by Joe Rodon’s suspension and Willy Gnonto’s injury, with Gnonto being replaced in the attacking line by Summerville and Rodon coming in at centre-half. Archie Gray was rested as Kamara made his full debut in central midfield, while Luke Ayling was dropped to the bench as Sam Byram returned to the starting lineup but with Jamie Shackleton switching from left back to right back.
Farke was still lacking six players for the game.Gnonto, Firpo, and Spence are still out, and Farke has already stated that Dallas, while being back in team training, will be out for some time as he recovers from a femoral fracture. But when it comes to selecting this weekend’s XI, the Whites boss has plenty to think about, and this is the Leeds side we believe will start against the Saints.
1. Illan Meslier, goalkeeper
Luke Ayling, RB
Ayling was dropped to the bench against Watford as Jamie Shackleton was given a start at right back, and Shackleton may now keep his place after a solid performance against the Hornets, but Ayling has been clear first choice, at least until Spence returns, which will present another conundrum. The first substitution was Shackleton at right back. Photographer: George Wood
Joe Rodon, CB
Leeds were sturdy in defense against Watford, with centre-backs Pascal Struijk and captain Liam Cooper impressing – the latter on his comeback to the team after recovering from a damaged plantar fascia. Rodon, a Tottenham loanee, has been a rock at the back for the club since his arrival, and he was unlucky to be sent out at Hull following a joke of a first yellow card. Rodon is now available, and he should be able to return to the starting lineup right away. Another change. But who is it for?
Liam Cooper, CB
Very harsh on Struijk, who has looked in good form, but Farke may regard Rodon and Cooper as the ‘first choice’ centre back partnership, though it’s likely a close call. It’s possible that Rodon may miss out and Cooper will remain with Struijk. Struijk out for Rodon as the second change is a coin flip.
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