Gruev axed, two changes – Leeds United confirmed XI v Cardiff City
Leeds United have made two changes for their Championship clash with Cardiff City as Daniel Farke switches his midfield and defence.
In significant news, Junior Firpo is back in the starting XI at left-back having played a total of just 50 minutes so far since his return from a hamstring injury.
He comes in for Sam Byram who drops to the bench, alongside Ilia Gruev who makes way for Joe Rothwell in the other tweak from Farke after the goalless stalemate at Burnley (27 January).
The Whites will look to go 13 matches unbeaten in all competitions as their visitors from South Wales come calling at Elland Road.
Leeds United make two changes v Cardiff City
Farke has kept his team relatively stable from the draw at Burnley last Monday, as Leeds look to secure a dominant performance at home to a bottom-half side in Cardiff.
However, the Whites still ought to remain wary, with the Bluebirds having themselves gone unbeaten in eight in all competitions in an excellent turnaround.
Elsewhere from Gruev and Byram’s omissions as minutes are managed, the team remains the same. Illan Meslier will slot between the sticks with Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon ahead of him in central defence, while Jayden Bogle continues at right-back.
Ao Tanaka keeps his place in the middle of the park but this time alongside Rothwell, a productive combination for much of the season while Gruev and Ampadu were out.
The same front four start that began at Turf Moor last time out, including Joel Piroe leading the line and Manor Solomon on the left flank.
Piroe is under pressure especially at this time in the season, with Farke tempted to add another striker to the squad.
In other Leeds news, the Whites have accepted a “massive loss” on a player whose loan from Elland Road becomes permanent.
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