Daniel Farke to axe Dan James and Glen Kamara as Archie Gray decision made – Leeds United predicted XI vs Norwich City
Daniel Farke is predicted to make changes to his Leeds United starting XI to face Norwich City but not take Archie Gray out of the line up.
Glen Kamara and Dan James are tipped to be the men to go, after the Whites boss revealed that Willy Gnonto and Jamie Shackleton were both available again after injury in his pre-match press conference on Thursday (19 October).
The Italian winger is therefore predicted to come in for his Welsh counterpart, despite James’ productive run of form with a goal and three assists in the Championship since he returned to the squad against Millwall on 17 September.
Much has been made of Gray’s workload after the 17-year-old played three full England under-19 games over the break, but while Farke highlighted his own worries on the matter he is predicted to move the youngster back into midfield after surprisingly using him at right-back in the 2-1 Bristol City win.
As the manager appears to have concerns over Luke Ayling defensively it is Shackleton tipped to come in at full-back as Gray takes Kamara’s midfield spot, with Djed Spence still not ready.
Phil Hay reported from the press conference that while Farke had highlighted issues over Gray’s heavy usage he made clear that first-team Leeds United games were of most benefit to him and that he had given him a reduced training load to keep him in contention.
Farke has some options now that he is getting players back, and could justifiably keep James in the side, but with Gnonto and fellow youngster Crysencio Summerville probably his top two they could get the nod as the manager returns to face his former club.
The Georginio Rutter and Joel Piroe attack is continuing to develop and there seems no reason to change it for now, while Ampadu and Gray in the midfield has gone from a necessity earlier in the season to a clear preference for the German boss.
At the back Shackleton is the only predicted change as Sam Byram is expected to remain on the left on his own return to Carrow Road.
The central partnership of Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk is now clearly the top one and should see them start once more, while Illan Meslier remains the starter in goal.
Farke will be looking to make it a third win on the spin and has weapons off the bench in most positions now to help him do so, barring perhaps left-back with Junior Firpo still out.
In other Leeds United news, the club’s plans for a player who made a controversial summer loan exit have now emerged amid transfer interest.