Willy Gnonto nowhere to be seen amid speculation – Leeds United confirmed XI v Preston
Leeds United have confirmed their starting XI for their Championship encounter with Preston North End at Elland Road on Sunday (21 January).
And Whites manager Daniel Farke has not made any changes to the side that defeated Cardiff City 3-0 last Saturday (13 January).
Illan Meslier continues in goal, with Archie Gray and Junior Firpo once again at right-back and left-back respectively. Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu continue in central defence, as do Ilia Gruev and Glen Kamara in midfield.
In attack, the trio of Dan James, Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville retain their places, as does striker Patrick Bamford, with Joel Piroe again on the bench.
Attacker Willy Gnonto has not made the squad amid speculation regarding his Whites future, while defender Liam Cooper has been named on the bench.
Matteo Moretto reported via Fabrizio Romano’s Substack column on Saturday (20 January) that Gnonto wants to leave this month and is trying to do so.
Three points needed
Preston travel to West Yorkshire sitting 12th in the Championship table, with 38 points from their 27 matches so far. The hosts meanwhile occupy fourth spot with 51 points, and now have the chance to close the gap on Southampton and Ipswich Town ahead of them.
The Saints and the Tractor Boys both have 58 points to their name, with league leaders Leicester City running away with things on 65.
A 2-0 defeat for West Brom against Norwich City on Saturday (20 January) has given the Whites some breathing space, but Farke won’t be too concerned about other clubs at this moment in time.
The man in the dugout is now tasked with clinching another important win on home soil, with Leeds in red-hot form going into the game. Not only have they won their last three matches in all competitions, but they have won them all by three goals to nil.
In other Leeds United news, a club have been influenced as a transfer decision is made on one Whites player.
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