Daniel Farke could start exit-linked Charlie Cresswell in six changes – Leeds United predicted XI v Peterborough
Charlie Cresswell could be set to earn his first start in the Leeds United team since August against Peterborough United on Sunday (7 January).
The 21-year-old centre-back has been handed very few opportunities by Daniel Farke this season, having featured just six times in all competitions, the last time being against QPR in October.
With the German likely to make a number of changes for the FA Cup clash to provide some first-team players with a rest, the England U-21 international, who has been linked with a move away from Elland Road this month, may be in line for a rare start against the League One side.
Although Farke will want to secure a place in the fourth round of the competition, he is predicted to make six changes to his starting lineup from the side that beat Birmingham City 3-0 on Monday (1 January).
One of those is not expected to come in between the sticks, though, as keeper Kristoffer Klaesson is likely to start after he deputised for the injured Karl Darlow against the Blues and Illan Meslier is set to serve the last of his three-match suspension.
With options currently limited at right-back due to injuries and Djed Spence’s loan spell being cut short, Archie Gray is predicted to take up what has now become his regular spot at fullback.
Cresswell could come into the heart of the defence to hand Joe Rodon a rest and he is likely to partner club captain Liam Cooper at London Road.
With Sam Byram hobbling off in the first half against Birmingham, Junior Firpo may replace him at left-back after he played well off the bench on Monday.
Farke may take up the opportunity to hand the ever-present Ethan Ampadu a breather, with Ilia Gruev predicted to partner Glen Kamara in midfield.
The attacking positions are where it gets a little tricky, but the Whites boss may want to give some fringe players a chance to impress.
Jaidon Anthony could come into the side on the right-hand flank to replace Dan James, while Willy Gnonto may start ahead of star man Crysencio Summerville on the left after he’s been in incredible form in West Yorkshire this season.
Joel Piroe was dropped from the lineup against Birmingham, but he is predicted to come back into the side in place of Georginio Rutter, who is another key man who could be handed a rest.
That means Patrick Bamford is likely to start up front as Farke may want to provide the forward with another chance to build up some confidence after scoring his first goal of the season on New Year’s Day.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites could be set to call up a player’s agent to complete their first January transfer.