Daniel Farke hands rare starts — Leeds United confirmed XI v Harrogate Town
Daniel Farke has made eight changes to his starting lineup as Leeds United take on Harrogate Town in the FA Cup on Saturday.
In the first-ever competitive meeting between the two teams at Elland Road on 11 January, Mateo Joseph will be leading the line, with Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford on the sidelines.
Illan Meslier has been struggling between the sticks, with Karl Darlow given the nod as Pascal Struijk, Sam Byram, Ethan Ampadu and Isaac Schmidt in a first start ahead of him.
Josuha Guilavogui has also been handed his first start, with a lightning attack including Willy Gnonto, Largie Ramazani and Manor Solomon all playing.
Leeds United favourites against Harrogate Town in FA Cup
The Peacocks are likely the favourites going into the game and should get past the League Two outfit in a comfortable fashion.
Results have gone the West Yorkshire outfit’s way recently, dropping points against Blackburn Rovers and Hull City in the Championship.
The Whites remain at the top of the league table, but they are only one point ahead of Burnley and Sheffield United.
Leeds will undoubtedly want to put up a show for their fans at Elland Road against the Sulphurites, and Farke has picked a relatively strong team to do so.
The Peacocks have a relatively tough set of fixtures after Harrogate, but they will have the opportunity to take some time off after a hectic schedule.
Sheffield Wednesday will be the Whites’ next opponent at home on 19 January, commencing a difficult series of matches for them.
While winning the FA Cup is unlikely, it would do well for the squad’s morale if they could get to the later rounds and compete with Premier League teams.
In other Leeds United news, a sack claim has been made about Farke after what has been heard.
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