Jamie Shackleton axed as Daniel Farke to make two changes – Predicted Leeds United XI v Leicester City
Daniel Farke could be set to make two changes to his Leeds United starting lineup for their huge Championship clash with Leicester on Friday night.
The Whites claimed a huge 4-1 win over Huddersfield last time out to bounce back after defeat to Stoke, with arguably the best performance of the season coming in the opening 45 minutes.
But the boss will be expecting a much tougher task on Friday night at the King Power Stadium against a Foxes side that have won 13 of 14 Championship games so far, meaning he may look to make some changes to the side.
Illan Meslier will be disappointed that he didn’t get a clean sheet against Huddersfield after spilling a long-range effort, but he will keep his place in the side as long as fitness permits following a scare in that game.
Jamie Shackleton was given a start at right-back in that game and performed well for the most part, but with Archie Gray getting a well deserved rest Farke is going to be very tempted to bring him back into the side.
That should see a change at right-back with Gray coming in, while Sam Byram will continue at left-back to bring some continuity to the side. Pascal Struijk will start in central defence, but Joe Rodon is a doubt after suffering a hamstring injury which should mean Liam Cooper comes into the side and takes the armband back.
Ethan Ampadu has been the stand-out performer for the Whites so far this season and will no doubt continue in midfield, and he’s likely to be partnered by Glen Kamara after his strong showing against Huddersfield.
In attack Wilfried Gnonto and Patrick Bamford are pushing for starts after their returns from long-term injury, but Farke is likely to stick with a unit that has been working increasingly well in recent weeks.
Daniel James has managed six goals and assists in his last nine appearances for club and country including two in his last outing, so he should continue on the right wing.
On the left Crysencio Summerville has been sensational this season and should keep his place ahead of Gnonto on the left, while Farke is likely to continue with his preferred striker options of Joel Piroe playing just behind the in-form Georginio Rutter.
In other Leeds news, reliable journalist shares injury “problem” ahead of clash v Leicester after what happened v Huddersfield.