Leeds United manager Daniel Farke
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke

Dan James returns as new signing given the nod - Leeds United confirmed XI v Valencia

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Daniel Farke has named his Leeds United starting XI to face Valencia in their final pre-season match at Elland Road on Saturday (3 August).

There is no surprise to see Illan Meslier in between the sticks, even despite the rumours of his Elland Road exit this summer, with the centre-back duo of Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk ahead of him.

Jayden Bogle and Junior Firpo occupy the full-back positions, with Ethan Ampadu moved back into his natural midfield spot once again, partnered with Ilia Gruev.

Fans will be ecstatic to see Dan James back in the starting XI after recovering from injury, joining Wilfried Gnonto, Georginio Rutter and Mateo Joseph in the front line.

Leeds took to X to share their lineup for the game.

Leeds United face final pre-season test ahead of opening Championship clash

Farke will be hoping that his side can finish their pre-season preparations on a high note, with a clash against newly-promoted Portsmouth to come on Saturday 10 August.

The Whites will need to deal without the likes of Crysencio Summerville, Glen Kamara and Archie Gray, though fans will be excited to see Bogle, Rodon and Rothwell in action again.

This final pre-season game at Elland Road will provide a real showing of how the Leeds squad are gelling ahead of the new Championship season, with promotion to the Premier League as the main aim.

Farke will just want a positive result to take into the opening game of the season, with Portsmouth a very unknown entity after securing promotion from League One last term.

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