Daniel Farke to axe Solomon, two changes – Leeds United predicted XI v Swansea
Daniel Farke could give Isaac Schmidt his first Leeds United start in two changes when they face Swansea City on 24 November.
Schmidt impressed off the bench in the Whites’ 2-0 win over QPR last time out, and alongside Daniel James returning on the right flank, could come in as United’s starting left-back for the first time.
Sam Byram has been Farke’s go-to choice in the wake of Junior Firpo’s three-match ban, but after a mixed performance against QPR, he and winger Manor Solomon are expected to drop out of the side.
Daniel Farke to make two changes for Leeds United v Swansea
Farke is often hesitant to make unforced changes to a winning team, but with Swansea in the hunt for the play-offs, they may be needed for the Peacocks to come away from South Wales with three points.
Four of the back five is expected to remain unchanged, as has often been the case this season, with Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk ahead of Illan Meslier between the sticks.
Schmidt coming in for a first start – against a Swansea side likely to come and play – could be a baptism of fire, but also opens up the opportunity to repeat the attacking displays he showed at St. Gallen.
Joe Rothwell and Japanese international Ao Tanaka have become Farke’s first-choice pairing in midfield since injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev, with Josuha Guilavogui a solid option off the bench.
Despite Solomon impressing on international duty for Israel, James’ impact for the Whites this season cannot be ignored, and he’ll be keen to make a big impact against his former side.
James returning on the right edge also gives a chance for Wilfried Gnonto to return to the left flank, where his quick feet can cause the Swans plenty of problems alongside Brenden Aaronson in the middle.
Another former Swan, Joel Piroe, scored United’s second in injury time against QPR last time out, but having established that he’s much more effective when coming off he bench to finish games off, expect Mateo Joseph to keep his place up front having excelled for Spain’s Under-21s during the break.
In other Leeds news, Kalvin Phillips has revealed what he was thinking when linked with a return to Elland Road in the summer.
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