Joel Piroe axed, Georginio Rutter decision made: Leeds United predicted XI v Huddersfield Town
Daniel Farke will be keen to return to winning ways after Leeds United faced defeat against Chelsea in the FA Cup, preparing to take on Huddersfield Town on Saturday 2 March.
The Whites were without Patrick Bamford, Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter against the Premier League outfit as Mateo Joseph scored twice in a 3-2 defeat at Stamford Bridge.
Leeds have an opportunity to close the gap on the Championship leaders Leicester City to just three points, with the Foxes set to take on a revitalised QPR side later on the same day.
Speaking ahead of the Huddersfield clash on Thursday (29 February), Farke said: “Good news, Georgi was able to train today and looked good.
“Cree [Summerville] and Patrick [Bamford] had a full session and, if they come through tomorrow, they will be available. Ilia will be a late call, just individual training today.”
Daniel Farke must make late decision on Ilia Gruev at Leeds United
Unless there are any late-minute changes, Illan Meslier will likely keep his spot in between the Leeds sticks, making his 33rd league start of the season.
Despite returning to the lineup for the first time since the 4-1 FA Cup victory over Plymouth Argyle on 6 February, Liam Cooper could be dropped once again, with Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon continuing their formidable centre-back partnership.
Junior Firpo is expected to remain at left-back, with Connor Roberts on the opposite flank after a decent display against Chelsea and a goal against Leicester.
With Farke admitting that Gruev’s involvement will be a late decision, Archie Gray and Glen Kamara could be the midfield duo to battle against Huddersfield, with the latter returning to the lineup after being rested at Stamford Bridge.
Georginio Rutter injury news drops at Elland Road
Dan James and Jaidon Anthony were causing all sorts of problems against a makeshift Chelsea backline, but with Summerville potentially returning from injury, Anthony could be sacrificed.
The Welshman, however, could keep his spot over Wilfried Gnonto, occupying the wings while Rutter is expected to be creating in the middle of the park behind Bamford, with big-money signing Joel Piroe to be axed.
Joseph will feel hard done by if he misses out, but has proven to be an asset off the bench should Farke need to call upon him against Huddersfield.
Leeds were condemned to their first loss since December, losing 1-0 to West Brom at The Hawthorns. This is probably the worst time for the Terriers to come up against them, with the whole squad looking for revenge after exiting the FA Cup.
In other Leeds United news, a player made his mind up to leave the Whites months ago as Phil Hay shares an update from Elland Road.
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