Daniel Farke to axe Georginio Rutter, two changes – Leeds United predicted XI v Sunderland
Daniel Farke is predicted to make two changes to his starting line-up for Leeds United versus Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday night.
Leeds go into the game in brilliant form but after beating Blackburn 2-0 on Saturday, a couple of changes could be enforced for the trip to the North-East on 12 December.
Sam Bryam went off with an injury and while it remains to be seen what state he’s in ahead of the clash with the managerless Black Cats, we expect him to be replaced by Djed Spence in Farke’s starting 11.
Farke could also axe fan favourite Georginio Rutter and hand Wilfried Gnonto a chance to start up front.
Rutter, 21, squandered a huge opportunity to score at Ewood Park on Saturday (9 December) and after starting the club’s last 18 Championship matches, Farke could also see the midweek trip to Wearside as a chance to rest the Frenchman.
Illan Meslier was in impressive form at Blackburn on Saturday so he’s expected to keep his starting spot behind a back-four of Archie Gray at right-back, Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk at centre-half and Spence at left-back.
Although the on-loan Tottenham ace is naturally a right-back, Spence is more than good enough to fill in at left-back if Bryam is missing with Junior Firpo also definitely ruled out.
Leeds’ midfield is unlikely to change with Ethan Ampadu and Glen Kamara starting in the middle.
In the attack, we’ve already mentioned that Gnonto could spearhead the line-up in the striker role but behind him it could be unchanged with goal machine Daniel James on the right, Crysencio Summerville on the left and new father Joel Piroe in the number 10 role.
However, Leeds’ versatile attack means that any of these players could pretty much play anywhere and really mess with the Sunderland defensive set-up.
In other Leeds United news, Leeds have pre-agreed a deal that will see this player leave for at least £6million.