Leeds United host 19th-place Plymouth Argyle at Elland Road this Saturday as they look to continue putting pressure on the league’s frontrunners.
Leeds go into the game in third place, winning four out of their last five games and are still unbeaten at home this season. Meanwhile, Plymouth make the long trip up to Yorkshire without a win away from home, losing four and drawing three on the road.
Let’s take a look at the injury news and potential starting lineup Daniel Farke could field this weekend:
Injury News
As confirmed by Farke in his pre-match press conference, the Whites will be without several key players and a number of squad players ahead of this weekend’s clash. Most notably, Pascal Struijk will miss out after receiving surgery for a double hernia. The Dutchman has been a mainstay in this Leeds side that has started the campaign so strongly.
The centre-back situation has further complications, with Charlie Cresswell not training this week due to “personal reasons”, and may miss out on the game. Academy graduate duo Joe Gelhardt and Jamie Shackleton are set to miss the clash with both due to be back after the international break. The long-term injuries to Djed Spence and Stuart Dallas keep them out of the team too, whilst their fellow injury-riddled teammate Patrick Bamford is a question mark after not training through illness.
Here’s how The Real EFL predict Leeds United to lineup ahead of this clash at Elland Road:
The Team
Formation: 4-2-3-1.
GK – Illan Meslier
The Frenchman has started every game this season under their new manager, with the German putting this down to his immense potential at only 23 years of age. After his late heroics versus league leaders Leicester City, his position seems unlikely to be under contention any time soon.
RB – Archie Gray
The 17-year-old has started 14 games in the league this season, keeping club vice-captain Luke Ayling out of the squad. With his ability to keep Stephy Mavididi quiet last time out, one of the league’s most dangerous wingers, there is no reason to take him out of the side for this weekend’s match.
CB – Joe Rodon
The Tottenham loanee has transformed Leeds’ defence so far this season and the partnership he has built with Struijk at the back has been impressive. With only one loss with Rodon on the pitch this season, he looks likely to start at the heart of defence.
CB – Liam Cooper
The first change from the side that started against Leicester is a forced one through injury. Perhaps some Leeds fans would like to see Cresswell play or even Ethan Ampadu fill the gap in defence, but Farke is unlikely to look past his club captain when choosing who to start in the absence of Struijk.
LB – Sam Byram
Since arriving on a free transfer, the Leeds graduate has been nothing short of fantastic for Leeds, playing a key role in Rutter’s deciding goal in their last match. In his second stint under Farke, unless unfit, he is unlikely to lose his place at left-back.
CM – Ethan Ampadu
Despite coming from one of Leeds’ main rivals Chelsea, Leeds fans have quickly warmed to Ampadu due to his immense performances on the pitch. Averaging 1.47 interceptions and 1.8 tackles per 90, as per FBref, he is as close to a certainty in the heart of midfield.
CM – Glen Kamara
The Finnish international took a while to get going for the Peacocks this season, with Farke suggesting this was largely down to a lack of playing time at Rangers. Since finding his feet, he has been excellent, including a Man of the Match performance last time out. He is likely to continue his partnership with Ampadu in the midfield.
RM – Daniel James
Completing the trio of Welshmen in the Leeds side, Daniel James has had an exceptional start to the campaign to the surprise of many Leeds fans. The speedster has notched up three goals and four assists this season and is likely to keep his place in the side ahead of the likes of Willy Gnonto and Jaidon Anthony.
CAM – Joel Piroe
Joel Piroe has perhaps been the only underperformer in the Leeds side this season, likely to due his large expectations after joining from Swansea City this summer. Despite this, the Dutchman has managed five goals and an assist in the league this season and will surely start as he looks to recapture his goalscoring form from last season.
LM – Crysencio Summerville
The youngster picked up the October Player of the Month award after his incredible five goals and three assists in just six games last month, the youngest player to bag that many goals in a month for Leeds since Robbie Keane. Farke will almost definitely choose his number ’10’ to start out wide for him this weekend.
ST – Georginio Rutter
To finish off Leeds’ high-flying counter-attacking side, there is no player better than Rutter this season. The Frenchman has dazzled fans and tortured defenders with his ball-carrying ability and incisive passing. He has averaged 4.88 shot-creating actions this season, according to FBREF, and will likely lead the line this weekend.
Score Prediction
Leeds have been excellent this season, particularly at home, and Plymouth seem unlikely to cause them massive problems at Elland Road. Every game appears a must-win for Leeds at the moment as they try and chase Ipswich and Leicester.
For this reason, The Real EFL predicts a 3-1 victory for Leeds United.
