Pascal Struijk missing as Wilfried Gnonto returns – Confirmed Leeds United XI v West Brom
Daniel Farke has made five changes to his Leeds United line-up to face West Brom in the Championship on Friday 29 December.
The Whites boss has axed Dan James, Glen Kamara and Archie Gray following the defeat to Preston, with Wilfried Gnonto, Sam Byram and Ilia Gruev all returning to the starting XI.
However, the most surprising absentee is Pascal Struijk who is nowhere to be seen after impressing at Deepdale, with Liam Cooper taking his place in the starting XI.
Karl Darlow makes his first Championship start having replaced Illan Meslier between the posts after the Frenchman’s bizarre red card against Preston ensured that he would be suspended for the trip to The Hawthorns on Friday night.
Time to bounce back
Leeds United need to get back to winning ways following the Boxing Day defeat to Preston North End. While one poor performance and result won’t define the Whites’ season, it could prove costly if Leeds don’t claim all three points on Friday.
West Brom are by no means an easy side to play against and Carlos Corberan’s side have caused some of the Championship’s best teams problems this season, but if the Whites want to win automatic promotion, these are the games they simply have to win.
It was only a matter of days ago that supporters were buzzing and eyeing an immediate return to the Premier League following the win over Ipswich Town and if they are able to claim three points again at The Hawthorns spirits will be lifted again.
Changes were always expected following the manner of the defeat at Deepdale and it is about time Farke utilised the depth in his playing squad. There is so much talent in the ranks at Elland Road but for whatever reason, it hasn’t been seen often enough.
In other Leeds United news, Darren Bent and Andy Goldstein have offered their verdict on suggestions Farke should be sacked