Farke to axe Dan James in three changes – Leeds United predicted XI v Hull
Daniel Farke may opt to bench Dan James as part of three changes when Leeds United face Hull City in an attempt to rejuvenate the front line after their 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers.
The Whites will be without Jayden Bogle and Sam Byram for the trip to Hull after the pair picked up knocks in the recent encounter with Blackburn while James could face the axe after an uneventful showing on New Year’s Day.
The Welshman has turned his fortunes around at Elland Road but with the winter period as hectic as ever, he could be benched with a view to resting him with Willy Gnonto in line to return.
Daniel Farke will have a selection headache when it comes to his defensive setup with three full-backs out injured, which could pave the way for Isaac Schmidt to make his first start for the club with a call-up for Max Wober once again expected.
Isaac Schmidt to make full Leeds United debut?
Leeds’ draw against Blackburn saw the Whites drop two crucial points but it also provided even more concern in the sense of injuries with a theme starting to appear.
With Junior Firpo already out with injury, the last thing Farke needed was his other two natural full-backs to pick up injuries but that is the case and it is likely Leeds will be without the trio for the clash at the MKM Stadium.
Given the lack of a natural replacement, it could pave the way for Schmidt to start his first game for the club with Wober expected to replace Byram on the left.
Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk have formed one of the best defensive partnerships in the Championship and any change there is highly unlikely.
Joe Rothwell partnered Ao Tanaka in midfield against the Rovers and despite the result, the duo impressed and it would make sense to maintain the balance.
The second change for Leeds could see Gnonto return to the starting lineup in place of James who, given the standards he has set this season, was poor against Blackburn although he wasn’t the only one.
In fact, Leeds’ front line struggled as a collective but Farke will likely keep his faith in the remaining trio with how much they have contributed in recent weeks.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites want to sign a Nottingham Forest player.
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