Credit: Imago

Josh Edwards

Sun 6 April 2025 15:40, UK

Leeds United need to return to winning ways against Middlesbrough, and Daniel Farke could make three changes to his lineup to achieve that.

Off the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw away to Luton Town, Leeds have dropped out of the automatic promotion places with six games left.

Farke’s side remain in with an excellent chance of promotion, but only if results and performances improve drastically, with Leeds having won just one of their last six Championship encounters.

With that in mind, Farke could make three changes to his starting XI on Tuesday night, with Joel Piroe one of those potentially set to miss out.

Illan Meslier remains on the bench for Leeds

Farke made the call to drop Illan Meslier for the Luton clash, and it’s unlikely that he will revert that decision, with Karl Darlow expected to retain his place in the side.

One change could come defensively, with Sam Byram replacing Junior Firpo, after the Spaniard failed to impress for Leeds at Kenilworth Road. Otherwise, the defensive shape of Pascal Struijk, Joe Rodon and Jayden Bogle will remain untouched.

Ao Tanaka has been far from his best lately, but he should keep his place alongside Ethan Ampadu, with a change in the 10 roles ahead of them.

Farke took the gamble of playing Willy Gnonto there last time out, but it failed to pay off, with Brenden Aaronson likely to come back into the side midweek.

Mateo Joseph returns for Leeds United

Dan James was the scorer for Leeds in their draw with Luton, and he has been a crucial figure for the Whites throughout the season and will keep his place as a result.

It has been a similar story for Manor Solomon this season, and he is likely to feature on the left flank, especially after what Farke had to say about Largie Ramazani.

Joel Piroe has been out of form recently, and it could allow Mateo Joseph to stake a claim for his place in the starting 11 for the final run-in.