Joe Rodon dropped in unexpected change – Leeds United predicted XI v Stoke

Daniel Farke could bring Pascal Struijk back into the side as one of two changes when Leeds United face Stoke City on Boxing Day.

Struijk was on the bench for the 4-0 win over Oxford having been judged as 50/50 to play, but with Ethan Ampadu returning to the side and Joe Rodon picking up a cut, he could be back.

Rodon's cut to the head suffered against Oxford may see Farke give the defender a rare rest, while Mateo Joseph could start up front ahead of Joel Piroe given the latter's poor displays away from home.

Daniel Farke to make two changes for Leeds United v Stoke City

Illan Meslier collected his twelfth clean sheet of the season in a comfortable Whites display against Oxford, with Ampadu slotting seamlessly back into the team alongside Rodon in front of the stopper.

Rodon is no stranger to playing through injury, but with Struijk set to be fit again and Ampadu's minutes increasing, Farke still has an embarrassment of riches in defence despite Junior Firpo still being out.

Sam Byram will therefore keep his place at left-back, with Jayden Bogle on the opposite flank and Dan James and Manor Solomon keeping their places further forward, having both scored against Oxford.

Ampadu being back in the side will likely see him slot into midfield eventually, but the Ao Tanaka-Joe Rothwell axis is too good to break up at the moment, with Brenden Aaronson also hitting top form.

Wilfried Gnonto will be chomping at the bit to come back into United's attacking line, but after Aaronson, James and Solomon all netted last time out, none of the trio looks likely to be dropped by Farke.

One player who is, however, is Piroe. The striker picked up an assist for Solomon's strike, but given he's been a passenger in recent away games, the time is surely right for Farke to give Joseph the chance to impress, as the Peacocks look to win their first match on the road in three attempts.

In other Leeds news, club sources have responded to reports that Red Bull’s influence at Elland Road could be increasing.

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