Daniel Farke to axe ‘Embarrassing’ Junior Firpo – Predicted Leeds United XI v Norwich
Daniel Farke could be set to make two changes to his Leeds United starting lineup for their Championship playoff semi-final clash with Norwich.
The Whites have lost four of their last six games and come into the clash following a 2-1 defeat to Southampton at Elland Road on the final day of the season, while Norwich secured their playoff spot despite a 1-0 defeat to Birmingham.
Both teams will now fight for their place at Wembley later this month, and Farke will know changes must be made to get back to winning ways against his former club.
‘Embarrassing’ Junior Firpo must be axed for Leeds United
Illan Meslier has conceded a lot of goals in recent weeks, with plenty of fans feeling he should have done better for some. However, he is still easily the best option between the sticks and will keep his place in the team.
Ahead of him though in defence there is likely to be at least one change following recent performances, with Junior Firpo surely dropping out of the team. The left-back’s performance was branded “embarrassing” after the Southampton clash, and with Sam Byram fit and available he should switch over to the left.
That will allow for Archie Gray to come back into the team after he was dropped, taking the right-back spot he has made his own with both Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu partnering up in the middle once again.
That will see Ilia Gruev and Glen Kamara start alongside each other in midfield too with limited alternative options, and they will need to be at their best to get a result at Carrow Road.
Ahead of them in attack Farke has a decision to make. Daniel James will be hopeful of returning from an abdominal injury, but Wilfried Gnonto has been in good form and the Italian should get the nod.
On the left Crysencio Summerville is a guaranteed starter barring any injuries or issues, but the central options could see changes.
Joel Piroe started and scored against Southampton, but Patrick Bamford will be hopeful of having recovered from his knee ligament injury. If he does, he will start, but Georginio Rutter’s recent bad form could mean Piroe gets the start anyway.
Ultimately though Farke is likely to go with what he knows and trusts, and that is with Rutter starting in the number ten role behind Bamford if he gets the opportunity.
In other Leeds news, an international midfielder wants to leave his club with Elland Road a potential destination this summer.
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