Sinisterra nowhere to be seen as Farke makes three changes – Leeds United starting XI v Birmingham City
Daniel Farke has named his Leeds United starting XI to face Birmingham City in the Championship at St Andrew’s on Saturday (12 August) with three changes made.
The German has rung the changes from the side that beat Shrewsbury Town 2-1 on Wednesday 9 August in the EFL Cup, as confirmed by the club’s official Twitter account, with Karl Darlow, Leo Hjelde and Darko Gyabi all dropping to the bench.
Farke recalls Illan Meslier to the starting XI along with experienced defender Pascal Struijk and new signing Sam Byram set to be handed his first league start at left-back. Joe Rodon, another new signing is on the bench.
The Whites are still without Wilfried Gnonto who has refused to play while Luis Sinisterra is nowhere to be seen in the matchday squad after being involved on Wednesday.
Leeds have only eight players on the bench in a depleted squad.
Win to boost confidence
With just over a couple weeks of the transfer market left, Leeds United certainly have plenty of work to do to ensure they are at full strength for the new campaign.
And their 2-2 draw at Cardiff last weekend on the opening day and the narrow win over Shrewsbury Town certainly showed some cracks in the team that Farke will be desperate to address.
One of those glaring issues is in midfield and after the Tyler Adams saga and the Wilfried Gnonto situation over the last couple of days, it is absolutely imperative the Whites start addressing that area of the pitch regardless of whether those two stay or depart.
For now, though, Birmingham City presents another stern test for Farke and his men and St Andrew’s is always a tough place to go which means Leeds United simply cannot be slack and complacent as they were last weekend.
The West Yorkshire are suffering from a serious injury crisis right now and this is the team Farke feels can grab a much-needed and crucial first win of the season.
The pressure is on.
In other Leeds news, the 49ers may have no option but to let cash fly for one potential Adams replacement.