Georginio Rutter decision made, Sam Byram axed – Confirmed Leeds United XI v Rotherham United
Leeds United have confirmed their starting XI for their Championship encounter with Rotherham United on Friday (24 November).
The Whites take on the Millers in league action, in the first match back for both clubs after the recent international break.
And Whites manager Daniel Farke has made one change for the away match as he looks to bring all three points back to West Yorkshire.
Illan Meslier continues as goalkeeper, as he did in the club’s last match, a 2-1 win against Plymouth Argyle on Saturday 11 November.
Youngster Archie Gray continues at right-back, but Junior Firpo replaces Sam Byram at left-back in the only change, with centre-backs Joe Rodon and Liam Cooper keeping their places in the starting XI.
Ethan Ampadu and Glen Kamara start in defensive midfield once again, with Dan James, Joel Piroe and Crysencio Summerville continuing in front of them.
And up front, Georginio Rutter gets the nod once more, despite Farke confirming on Wednesday (22 November) that the youngster was a “major doubt.”
Tough test?
It may just be a slow start from the Whites given how it is their first game back after the international break, having had plenty of players away representing their countries. But Farke will not want any excuses, and will be desperate to try and tie up a positive result as soon as possible.
It may not be straightforward, and the visitors shouldn’t take their opponents lightly, but Leeds are certainly favourites to come out on top given the position of both clubs in the Championship table.
Farke had plenty of big calls to make regarding his starting XI, but the manager can rest in the knowledge that he has several players who are capable of making an impact from the bench, such is the talented squad that he has built at Elland Road.
A good performance will be on his wishlist, but three points are more important at this stage of the season as the Whites look to keep the pressure on Ipswich Town and Leicester City.
In other Leeds United news, journalist Alan Nixon has raged at the recent news concerning Premier League club Everton, with a Whites legal claim issued.