Daniel Feliciano

Fri 12 January 2024 9:40, UK

Daniel Farke could be set to make several changes to his Leeds United starting lineup for their Championship clash with Cardiff on Saturday afternoon.

The Whites claimed a dominant 3-0 win in the FA Cup over Peterborough in their last outing with a much-changed side as Farke rotated his squad.

And the boss could look to make as many as five changes to his side for the return to league action despite being lower on numbers due to injuries and the transfer window than he was last time they were in action.

One boost is that number one goalkeeper Illan Meslier is available again after his suspension and he will start in goal, despite third-choice stopper Kristoffer Klaesson keeping consecutive clean sheets in his two appearances.

In defence Luke Ayling and Djed Spence have both left the club meaning Archie Gray is firmly installed as the first-choice right-back these days, while Sam Byram is fit again after injury and should replace Junior Firpo at left-back.

Pascal Struijk and Liam Cooper have been all but ruled out of the game due to groin injuries, so Joe Rodon is likely to be partnered in the middle by Wales teammate Ethan Ampadu after Farke’s comments about Charlie Cresswell.

With Ampadu moving into defence that opens up the midfield for Jamie Shackleton to get another start ahead of summer signing Ilia Gruev, with Glen Kamara likely to come back into the side ahead of the Bulgarian.

Daniel James and Crysencio Summerville are the starting wingers in this squad which will mean Wilfried Gnonto and Jaidon Anthony are likely to return to the bench for this game.

£10m+ summer signing Joel Piroe started as the number ten against Peterborough but Georginio Rutter will be expected to come back into the team after a rest, while Patrick Bamford deserves another start after his wonder strike made it two goals in his last two games.

In other Leeds news, Farke comments surely spell the end of Elland Road career for one star.