Dan James returns as new signing given the nod – Leeds United confirmed XI v Valencia
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.
In other Leeds United news, the 49ers are set to face the wrath of Leeds fans after a ridiculous Crysencio Summerville development at Elland Road.
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