Ilia Gruev decision made amid two changes – Leeds United predicted XI v Burnley
Daniel Farke could make two changes to his starting XI as Leeds United prepare to face Burnley on Saturday (14 Saturday).
With Dan James sidelined for another four weeks [Yorkshire Evening Post] and Manor Solomon having been away on international duty, Largie Ramazani could replace him.
While Ilia Gruev was praised for leading his Bulgaria team in a “perfect” way during the international break [Moyo News], he could make way as new signing Ao Tanaka also impressed for Japan.
Leeds will be keen to continue their brilliant form, having taken seven points from their last three matches before the international break, and Farke will not want to make too many changes.
Daniel Farke to axe Ilia Gruev ahead of Leeds United v Burnley?
Given the Whites have kept three clean sheets in their latest Championship fixtures, it would be extremely harsh to bench the goalkeeper or any of the defensive back-four.
With that in mind, Illan Meslier is expected to keep his spot in between the sticks, with Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon likely to remain as the centre-back partnership against the Clarets.
Junior Firpo and Jayden Bogle have both made their respective full-back spots their own, and Farke has shown few signs of Sam Byram or Max Wober being thrown into the starting XI.
While Gruev has done little to warrant being taken out of the lineup, Farke has been full of praise for Tanaka since his arrival, which could see him play against Burnley at Elland Road this weekend.
As mentioned above, James’ injury setback could hand Ramazani the perfect opportunity to earn his first start for Leeds, with Solomon on the bench. While this could force Wilfried Gnonto onto the right flank, he can be just as dangerous on either side.
Brenden Aaronson has received mixed reactions since returning to Elland Road this summer, but he looks to have won back the trust of Farke, so the American could keep his spot behind in-form striker Mateo Joseph.
In other Leeds United news, early Burnley team news has emerged ahead of the clash at Elland Road.
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.