Leeds United: Graham Smyth in ‘huge disservice’ admission as Ilia Gruev prediction made
Graham Smyth joked he had done Ilia Gruev a “huge disservice” by overlooking him for his Leeds United predicted XI to face Middlesbrough on Monday (22 April).
The Yorkshire Evening Post journalist named the usual suspects in his predicted XI to face the Boro but was taken aback when he realised he had left the Bulgarian midfielder out of his lineup.
Normally teaming up with Glen Kamara in the middle of the park, Gruev has become a very important member of Daniel Farke’s squad, having started 15 of the last 17 Championship matches.
Speaking via the Inside Elland Road podcast on Thursday (18 April), Smyth confirmed his predicted lineup: “[Illan] Meslier, [Connor] Roberts, [Junior] Firpo, [Liam] Cooper, [Joe] Rodon, [Ethan] Ampadu, [Archie] Gray, [Wilfried] Gnonto, [Crysencio] Summerville, [Georginio] Rutter, [Mateo] Joseph.
Joe Donnohue named a similar starting XI, though Ampadu replaced Cooper in defence, with Gruev partnering Gray.
Smyth reacted: “Actually, your team is better. My head’s gone and I’ve thrown Gruev out with the bathwater. I’ve not held in mind his significant influence on the team. I’ve probably done him a huge disservice.”
Will Daniel Farke start Ilia Gruev in Leeds United v Middlesbrough?
Gruev is unlikely to be left out of the Whites’ squad at Riverside Stadium, especially if Leeds want to claim automatic promotion to the Premier League this season.
While Ampadu is one of the most comfortable midfielders in the squad, the Welshman has dropped into defence alongside international teammate Rodon, replacing Cooper.
Roberts has come into his own at right-back, and while Farke has preferred to play 18-year-old Gray out of position for the majority of the campaign, the manager cannot afford to drop the youngster.
Glen Kamara has seen his form dip in recent weeks, being an unused substitute in the 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers and being hooked at half-time in the 2-1 loss to Coventry City.
Farke has multiple candidates at his disposal for the two centre-midfield roles, but Gruev should be one of the first names on the teamsheet due to his consistent performances since earning his spot in the starting XI earlier this season.
In other Leeds United news, a teenage sensation is now set to snub Manchester United in order to move to Elland Road.
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