Daniel Farke to make changes after double injury blow – Leeds United predicted XI v Plymouth
Daniel Farke is preparing his Leeds United side for the FA Cup fourth round clash with Plymouth Argyle on 27 January and will be looking to secure a fifth consecutive win to progress to the next round.
The tie will represent an ideal opportunity for the boss to rotate his squad, resting some overworked players and bringing in those who have been on the fringes so far this season.
After both Archie Gray and Daniel James were substituted off with injury blows in the 1-0 win against Norwich, it is unlikely either will be involved at Elland Road regardless of the severity of those injuries.
Kristoffer Klaesson could return to the starting lineup for the cup clash, having kept a clean sheet in the third round when called upon to face Peterborough.
Sam Byram returned from the bench in place of the injured Gray against Norwich but could be asked to play left-back to give Junior Firpo a rest against Plymouth. On the opposite side of the defence, Jamie Shackleton started in the third round and may do so again.
The centre-back duo of Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon has proved a reliable one for Farke, but resting key players will be important heading into the second half of the season. Ampadu, who has featured in every game so far this season, could finally be rested in favour of Liam Cooper alongside Rodon.
Leeds aren’t exactly spoilt for choice concerning midfielders, so the same pair that started against Norwich could be called upon here, with Ilia Gruev and Glen Kamara looking to continue their impressive form as a duo.
The attacking line depends on the fitness of Wilfried Gnonto. If he passes a fitness test and is deemed ready to start as is expected [Leeds Live, 24 January], he could fill in for the injured James, while Crysencio Summerville should be rested in favour of Jaidon Anthony as he was in the third round.
Goerginio Rutter is another who could be rested, just as he was against Peterborough, and Joel Piroe will be eagerly awaiting his chance to replace him as the number ten in Farke’s system.
Patrick Bamford could continue up front in a bid to keep his strong run of form going, but there will likely be concern about his patchy injury record. He should start, but Matteo Joseph will be waiting in the wings just in case.
In other Leeds United news, Gary Lineker shared what he thought of Leeds recently.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.