Daniel Farke starts outcast and Brenden Aaronson axed in three changes – Leeds predicted XI vs Liverpool
Leeds United will look to continue their impressive Premier League form as they face Liverpool at Anfield on New Year’s Day.
Daniel Farke’s side are now seven points clear of the relegation zone after drawing 1-1 with Sunderland last Sunday.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin cannot stop scoring for Leeds and will be hoping he can extend his incredible run in front of goal on Merseyside.
Farke may be forced into a number of changes to his starting lineup against Liverpool as the Whites battle to contend with four games in 11 days.
James Justin and Lukas Nmecha reintroduced by Daniel Farke
The big news ahead of the trip to Anfield is that Joe Rodon is out injured for Leeds and is not expected to return until the middle of January.
Farke could decide to switch to a back four in Rodon’s absence, but he may instead trust James Justin to play at right centre-back.
Justin has started just one Premier League game this season and has played just 20 minutes of football over the past five matches, but could be brought in from the cold against Liverpool.
Elsewhere, Ao Tanaka is in line to replace Brenden Aaronson in midfield, in order to bring some stability to the Leeds side.
Aaronson put in his best performance of the season against Sunderland, but the Whites will need to be solid at Anfield, and Tanaka is a more defensive-minded option.
Up front, Noah Okafor has impressed in recent weeks, but Lukas Nmecha could come in for his first start since returning from injury.
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Can James Justin fill Joe Rodon’s void?
Leeds signed Justin from Leicester City this summer, and the full-back has been fairly solid in his first few months at Elland Road.
Of course, the former England international is not naturally a centre-half, but he does have some experience playing in a back three from his time at Leicester.
Rodon has been an ever-present for Farke since the German came in at Leeds, so Justin has huge boots to fill if he is selected.
However, up against Liverpool, the 27-year-old will have very little pressure to perform and could snatch this golden opportunity with both hands.
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