Daniel Farke misses Connor Roberts opportunity as Leeds United XI confirmed v Plymouth
Daniel Farke has missed the chance to hand Connor Roberts his full debut for the Leeds United game against Plymouth Argyle on Saturday (17 February).
The Welsh international is yet to start for the Whites since making the loan switch from Premier League side Burnley in the January transfer window.
The 28-year-old right-back has been limited to just two appearances as a substitute so far and he’ll have to settle for a place on the bench again as he continues to wait patiently for his opportunity behind Archie Gray.
Following the 4-0 victory over Swansea City on 13 February, Farke is clearly happy with the way his side are playing at the moment after naming an unchanged lineup against Argyle.
The Whites confirmed via their official Twitter account that Illan Meslier will start in goal, with Gray, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Junior Firpo making up the defence.
Ilia Gruev will be joined in midfield by Glen Kamara, while Willy Gnonto, Georginio Rutter, Crysencio Summerville and Joel Piroe will play in the attacking positions.
While it makes sense to not change a winning team, perhaps it could have been a chance to hand Gray a rest after he’s played so many games already this season.
Managing the 17-year-old’s minutes and ensuring Roberts maintains his fitness for whenever he’s called upon is a balance the Leeds manager may have to make over the next few months.
There is no doubt that Gray has been one of the standout players after breaking into the first-team picture this season, but there have been spells where he has looked a little bit fatigued.
There is a strong chance that Roberts will come off the bench for the teenager at some point in the afternoon, just like he did in the victory over the Swans.
The Welshman will be keen to take his opportunity if that does happen as he certainly hasn’t made the move to West Yorkshire to warm the bench.
Farke will be keen to get the message across to his side not to underestimate Argyle despite seeing them off 4-1 in the FA Cup earlier this month.
But that result will have given them plenty of confidence heading into the clash as they look to move back into the automatic promotion places with a victory.
In other Leeds United news, Ally McCoist has reacted to what Daniel Farke said about a controversial incident.
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