Mateo Joeseph starts with two new signings – Leeds United predicted XI v Portsmouth
Daniel Farke looks set to hand a debut to one Leeds United signing ahead of their Championship opener against Portsmouth at Elland Road.
The Whites begin their campaign at home against the newly promoted side just months after missing out on promotion via the playoffs against Southampton.
Their second attempt to reach the Premier League begins on Saturday (10 August) after losing the likes of Crysencio Summerville and Archie Gray during the transfer window.
Farke will now have to operate without some key players from last season and potentially hand out a debut against Pompey.
Jayden Bogle to make Leeds United debut v Portsmouth
After a stellar year last season where he claimed 20 clean sheets, Illan Meslier is likely to start at Elland Road and remain as the White’s number one.
The backline looks set to have a similar look against Pompey to last campaign. Joe Rodon is also a new signing having returned on a permanent basis from Tottenham and could be partnered by Pascal Struijk.
Junior Firpo looks likely to keep his place at left back while Bogle looks to be in line to make his competitive debut after joining from Sheffield United. The right-back will add a different dimension to the starting XI after Gray was utilised in that position throughout last season.
Despite being linked away from the club during the summer, Ilia Gruev looks set to begin the campaign, ahead of new signing Joe Rothwell, alongside captain Ethan Ampadu at the base of midfield.
Summerville is gone but the front line at Elland Road still has plenty to be excited about with Georginio Rutter set to maintain his role at number ten.
Out wide, Dan James and Wilfried Gnonto could cause plenty of problems for the Portsmouth full-backs with their pace and direct nature of play.
They will all be looking to create chances for Mateo Joseph who ended preseason with a goal against Valencia. Farke has options like Patrick Bamford and Joel Piroe available but appears to have put his trust in the young Spaniard.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites and Ipswich Town are in for Fode Ballo-Toure as a concrete offer is tabled.
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