Struijk decision made in 10 changes – Leeds United confirmed XI v Watford
Daniel Farke has ruled the rule and named 10 changes to his Leeds United starting lineup to face Watford.
The Whites will travel to Vicarage Road to face Watford as they return to Championship action on Tuesday evening (11 February).
Farke suffered a shock FA Cup exit following a 2-0 loss against Milwall (8 February) in a match riddled with controversy after tragedy chants were sung at Elland Road.
Nevertheless, Leeds must return their attention to their Premier League aspirations as they prepare to face Championship playoff hopefuls Watford.
Daniel Farke makes 10 changes to face Watford
As expected, Leeds announced 10 changes to the lineup, which lost against Millwall via X (11 February), with Struijk a surprise absentee.
The 25-year-old has been in and out of the starting lineup since sustaining an injury in the 1-1 draw against Blackburn on 1 February but returned for his first start in the loss against Millwall.
Despite the Belgian’s disappointing return, Farke’s continued exclusion of his star defender, especially for a pivotal Championship clash, is a bold move.
Joe Rodon deservedly keeps his place in the side, but Ethan Ampadu was “poor” in the FA Cup and should have seen the Welshman return to the bench rather than Struijk.
Nevertheless, Farke has issued changes across the board, with Ampadu the only remaining player who started on the weekend to keep his place in the side.
The usual suspects, such as Dan James, Brenden Aaronson, Manor Solomon and Joel Piroe, return to bring the goals after their replacements failed to cut the mustard last time out.
Leeds United must bounce back v Watford
The Whites continued their march through the second tier with a comfortable 2-0 win against Coventry City last time out – Farke will be expecting a similar result.
Leeds supporters enjoyed the occasion plenty and managed to get under the skin of Frank Lampard, who was seen visibly rattled by the constant chants directed towards him at Elland Road.
However, the upcoming weeks will be detrimental to Farke’s title hopes this season as he will take on promotion rivals Sheffield United and Sunderland in his next two outings.
Therefore, anything less than three points against Watford will be a disappointing return and could set the Whites up for failure in the crucial fixtures ahead.
Their home record this season has been impeccable, but their performances on the road have left a lot to be desired, and Tom Cleverley will be feeling hopeful of replicating a similar result seen on the weekend.
Leeds have named a starting lineup brimming with quality – Farke has more than enough firepower to get the job done and should be encouraged by the 2-1 win in the reverse fixture between the sides on 22 October.