Daniel Farke to axe key star – Leeds United predicted XI v Derby County
Daniel Farke could drop Joe Rothwell to the bench as Leeds United look to make it two wins over Derby County this month on 29 December.
Farke dropped midfield metronome Ao Tanaka for the Whites’ 2-0 win at Stoke on Boxing Day but could welcome back the Japanese international in Rothwell’s place in another away game just three days later.
Tanaka’s resting was to accommodate the return of Ethan Ampadu – who was back in the starting XI against Oxford United – to the Peacocks’ midfield, and the two could get the nod ahead of Rothwell.
Daniel Farke to make solitary change for Leeds United v Derby
Although the festive period is by far the busiest United will face this season – they host Blackburn at Elland Road just three days after facing Derby – Farke is often reluctant to make wholesale changes.
The 2-0 victory at Stoke was the Whites’ first away victory in three attempts, and thus continuity will be key for the German, who is likely to name the exact same starting back four at Pride Park on Sunday.
With a 13th clean sheet recorded for Illan Meslier and Jayden Bogle’s display instrumental to their win at the Bet365 Stadium, the latter will continue alongside Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk in defence.
Rodon and substitute Max Wober both scored their first United goals against Derby at Elland Road on 7 December, but with the Austrian and Junior Firpo still out injured, Sam Byram continues at left-back.
Rothwell and Tanaka have deputised brilliantly since Ilia Gruev and Ampadu’s injuries in recent months, but the latter’s place is assured in the side as Farke’s captain, with Rothwell the man set to drop out for a rest.
The prospect of an Ampadu-Tanaka axis in midfield is a tantalising one, particularly with the in-form Manor Solomon and Daniel James out on the flanks – the latter getting an assist at Stoke last time out.
Brenden Aaronson had a big part to play in United’s opener on Boxing Day, with the finisher – Joel Piroe – netting his first two away goals in the last six attempts to rubber-stamp his place as Farke’s first choice up front.
In other Leeds news, a Premier League club’s stance on one of their in-demand players should leave the Whites on high alert.
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