Georginio Rutter axed in two changes amid injury news – Leeds United predicted XI v Southampton
Daniel Farke could make two changes to his Leeds United starting XI as they welcome Southampton to Elland Road for the final game of the season on Saturday (2 May).
The Whites come into the clash off the back of a 4-0 defeat to QPR at Loftus Road on Friday 26 April, seeing Ipswich Town leapfrog them into the second automatic promotion spot.
With three points now separating Leeds from their promotion rivals, Farke will require maximum effort from his players to ensure they give themselves every chance of pipping Ipswich to the Premier League.
However, the manager’s most recent injury update has delivered two blows to his starting XI, with late calls to be made on both Connor Roberts and Patrick Bamford.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, quoted by Phil Hay on Thursday (2 May), he said: “James isn’t available. Roberts is also a major doubt, although he has done some training and could make the squad.
“Bamford is yet to resume full training – late decision on him.”
Daniel Farke to make two changes for Leeds United v Southampton
Illan Meslier will, undoubtedly, be between the sticks for the season finale, having started 43 of their 45 Championship matches this season.
With Roberts said to be a “major doubt”, Sam Byram is likely to retain his place in the starting XI, especially after Farke admitted it was the wrong decision to substitute him against QPR.
Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon should be the centre-back pairing the face Southampton, while Junior Firpo’s attacking return in recent weeks will likely see him remain at left-back.
The midfield pairing of Ilia Gruev and Archie Gray really struggled at Loftus Road, which would suggest that Farke could axe Bulgarian midfielder Gruev to make way for Glen Kamara.
Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto are nearly untouchable, especially after it was confirmed that Dan James would be unavailable, so the duo should occupy each flank.
With uncertainty surrounding Bamford’s availability, Farke could finally unleash Mateo Joseph as a sole striker, leaving Joel Piroe to support from the attacking midfielder role, replacing Georginio Rutter.
Though the Frenchman has been incredible at Elland Road this season, he has gone seven matches without a goal contribution, which could be a worry for Farke.
If this were the case, Rutter would certainly offer an exciting option from the bench if Leeds required a late goal to seal three points.
In other Leeds news, one Leicester star has taken a swipe at the Whites and Georginio Rutter after they sealed the Championship title.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.