Wilfried Gnonto axed, Firpo decision made – Leeds United confirmed XI v Derby
Daniel Farke has named Junior Firpo in his Leeds United starting lineup for the Championship clash with Derby County on Saturday.
Firpo’s car was spotted ahead of the clash at Elland Road on 7 December after Farke had admitted the left-back was touch and go for the game.
However, the Brazillian is fit enough to start, as confirmed via the club’s official X account [7 December].
Meanwhile, Wilfried Gnonto has been replaced by Manor Solomon in the only change from the 1-0 defeat against Blackburn in the Championship at Ewood Park on Saturday 30 November.
Junior Firpo starts for Leeds United against Derby County
Farke will be desperate for three points against Derby County at Elland Road.
After three straight wins, the Whites were handed just their third defeat of the Championship season as they were beaten by Blackburn Rovers, with Darren Bent sharing a promotion verdict after the defeat.
It leaves Farke’s side third in the Championship after 18 matches played. However, with Sheffield United not in action until Sunday [8 December], Leeds have the opportunity to move to the top of the table, at least for one day.
Therefore, with that in mind, and Derby County sat in 15th, supporters at Elland Road will be confident of seeing their side pick up three valuable points.
And that confidence would have only been boosted by the inclusion of Firpo. There is also the much-welcome return of Ethan Ampadu, who is sat on Leeds’ bench having not featured since September.
However, some supporters might have perhaps been surprised by the decision to axe Gnonto, and Farke will be hoping this decision doesn’t come back to haunt him.
In other Leeds United news, the club will be fearful amid a fresh Premier League transfer development.
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