Leeds United confirmed XI v Huddersfield Town: Georginio Rutter call made, three out of squad
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has named his starting line-up for Saturday’s (2 March) Championship clash with Huddersfield Town.
The Whites enter the game on a remarkable run of nine successive victories to begin 2024, keeping a clean sheet in seven of those.
Farke rotated his side for the unfortunate 3-2 loss to Chelsea in the FA Cup in midweek, and the German has made six changes for the showdown with Huddersfield, as confirmed by the club’s official Twitter account [2 March].
Georginio Rutter was considered doubtful ahead of the match, as was Ilia Gruev, but both players are fit to start at John Smith’s Stadium.
Illan Meslier retains his place in goal, with a back four of the ever-reliable Archie Gray, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Junior Firpo.
Fit-again Gruev partners Glen Kamara in holding midfield, while Farke has opted for a front four of Crysencio Summerville, Willy Gnonto, Rutter and Patrick Bamford.
Dani van den Heuvel, Kristoffer Klaesson and Jamie Shackleton were among the substitutes at Stamford Bridge but are not part of the squad to face Huddersfield.
Leeds United at full strength against Huddersfield
There were a number of fitness doubts heading into this West Yorkshire derby, but Farke has recalled all of his big-hitters.
Even if one or two not been available, such as Gruev, Farke would have had other options to fill in for the time being.
As it is, though, Gray and Ampadu are operating in defence, while Bamford gets the nod up top.
Having a fit-again Rutter playing just off Bamford is a massive boost for Farke, while the likes of Daniel James and Joel Piroe will be raring to go from the bench.
That is not to mention Mateo Joseph, who showed exactly what he is capable of in the narrow loss to Chelsea.
Playing before Leicester City and Southampton this weekend is also an advantage for Leeds, one that they must not squander as things really start to heat up.
In other Leeds United news, Jack Harrison has responded to social media footage shared by an Elland Road regular.
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