Willy Gnonto axed in four changes after Daniel Farke update – Leeds United predicted XI v Shrewsbury
Leeds United captain Liam Cooper looks likely to miss his side’s clash with Shrewsbury Town at Elland Road in the EFL Cup on Wednesday following his injury against Cardiff City
Daniel Farke spoke in his post-match press conference on Sunday (6 August) to confirm Cooper’s injury, with the captain substituted for Charlie Cresswell in the 53rd minute at Elland Road.
Farke noted that the club had to assess Cooper more before making a decision on when he can return, but it does not seem likely that the 31-year-old will start.
As quoted by LeedsLive, Farke said: “We have to wait for further assessment. Rolled his ankle and we are checking him. We desperately need him.”
From this, we predict that Farke will not risk playing his captain on Wednesday (9 August) as they get their first cup tie of the season underway if he is available.
With Farke admitting how important he is to the side, Cooper will likely be replaced by his replacement on Sunday, Cresswell. Farke will want a convincing win after it took a last-minute equaliser from Crysencio Summerville to steal a point at the death in their 2-2 draw to Cardiff City, so will play his first-team stars ahead of youth.
However, the boss will have squad rotation in mind. While we do not predict a massively changed line-up, we could see a debut for new goalkeeper Karl Darlow. Illan Mesiler did not have a good performance against Cardiff, but Darlow always looked likely to make his debut here.
This means Darlow could have his debut with previous starters Luke Ayling and Pascal Struijk, while we predict Cresswell to replace the injured Cooper, while Hjelde could be axed from the team in favour of new signing Sam Byram.
Hjelde did not have a good first half on Sunday, with Farke taking him off at half time and certainly has to take some responsibility for both of Cardiff’s goals. The Leeds defence made it too easy for the Welsh side, and after Hjelde’s departure, the Whites did not concede.
We also predict an unchanged midfield for Farke’s second competitive game. Ethan Ampadu showed his worth on his debut for the club and played his new defensive midfield role excellently and deserves the chance to show it again.
Summerville’s outstanding performance, with the equalising goal and an assist straight from a corner for Cooper’s 49th-minute strike, means he would likely be the first name on the team sheet.
Up front, we predict Willy Gnonto to be dropped in favour of 21-year-old Joe Gelhardt. While Gnonto showed some really promising and exciting moments in the match, Farke may want to give Gelhardt more minutes in the side amid the Italian’s links to a move away.
Gelhardt could be a real asset for the club this season, so playing him in a cup tie against a weaker opposition could be the perfect chance to get only his third senior Leeds goal and boost his confidence.
Leeds will look to bounce back with a convincing win against League One opposition to help convince the fans of the project at Elland Road.
In other Leeds United news, the clock is ticking for one of the Whites’ most in-demand forward after a fresh transfer update.