Glen Kamara to make debut as Archie Gray to be axed – Leeds United predicted XI v Watford
Daniel Farke could be set to ring the changes to his Leeds United team for the Championship clash with Watford on Saturday afternoon.
The Whites face their third game in seven days after a 3-0 win over Millwall was followed up with a 0-0 draw against Hull on Wednesday night, making it three consecutive clean sheets and five games unbeaten for Farke’s side.
But some incidents in that game mean the boss may be forced in to a couple of changes before he even has any tough decisions to make elsewhere on the pitch.
Illan Meslier has re-established himself as the number one goalkeeper at the club and will keep his place ahead of summer signing Karl Darlow for sure.
Djed Spence is out for eight weeks with a knee injury and after Luke Ayling started both games this week, the boss hinted that he could make changes as he isn’t getting any younger. That could see Jamie Shackleton move from left-back to right-back, with Sam Byram coming back into the side on the left.
In the middle Pascal Struijk remains one of the regular starters, but Joe Rodon’s red card means he will be unavailable and it will provide an opportunity for club captain Liam Cooper to come back into the fold after injury.
Ethan Ampadu overcame a slight knock to play in midweek and once again turned in a top display in midfield, proving his importance to the side.
He was once again paired with 17-year-old sensation Archie Gray but he is beginning to look a bit leggy and with Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev pushing for a start, Elland Road could be the perfect place for the Finland international to come in.
Crysencio Summerville started on the bench in the midweek draw with Hull but Wilfried Gnonto’s injury in the first half forced him off, and now means he is likely to miss the Watford clash.
That should allow the Dutch winger to come back into the side in his preferred position on the left, which will allow Daniel James to keep his spot on the opposite flank too.
Patrick Bamford is fit again and back in training but is still unlikely to start up top, meaning Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter can continue to form their budding partnership.
In other Leeds news, club boss left “perplexed” after international ace moved to Elland Road.