Patrick Bamford axed as Mateo Joseph call made – Leeds United predicted XI v Hull City
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has been predicted to make two changes to his starting XI to face Hull City on Monday 1 April at Elland Road.
The Whites head into their Easter Monday clash on the back of a 2-2 draw with Watford in their first outing after the March international break, with Mateo Joseph’s late equaliser salvaging a vital point.
With only a matter of days between fixtures, Farke would have almost certainly liked to have made changes to his starting XI, but the current injury crisis at Elland Road has limited the German’s options for Monday’s tie.
Illan Meslier will certainly keep his place between the posts after a reasonable showing against the Hornets last time out, but there will be a couple of alterations ahead of the Frenchman after a leaky first half at Vicarage Road.
Liam Cooper looked off of the pace on Good Friday (29 March) and was hooked in favour of Junior Firpo not too long after the hour mark. The Scotsman will drop to the bench with the left-back returning to the starting XI.
That will leave a space for Ampadu to return to the back four alongside Joe Rodon. The Welsh pair have formed an excellent partnership in recent weeks while Pascal Struijk has been injured and will likely start together against Hull.
Sam Byram will therefore move across to the right of the defence. Although he hasn’t played there often for Leeds his experience in the Championship should hopefully add to the solidity at the back for the Whites.
Leeds United gem Archie Gray will therefore be allowed to return to his preferred role at the heart of midfield alongside Glen Kamara who picked up an assist against Watford.
Is Ilia Gruev fit to start for Leeds United against Hull City?
While some fans will hope to see Ilia Gruev return and that is a genuine possibility, Farke is yet to confirm whether the Bulgarian will be fit to start on Monday and this match may just come slightly too soon for him.
Crysencio Summverille and Dan James will almost certainly keep their places out wide. The Dutchman in particular was excellent on Good Friday and he has almost become undroppable at Elland Road.
Georginio Rutter was a doubt for the clash with Watford after undergoing a hernia operation in the international break and while he didn’t look at his best, Joel Piroe’s poor cameo will likely see him continue in the number 10 role.
Farke’s second change however will likely see Patrick Bamford drop to the bench and Joseph handed his first start in the Championship.
The Spanish youth international impressed when he started against Chelsea and popped up with the equaliser last time out while Bamford was unable to get involved in proceedings.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are on red alert after an approach was made for West Ham star Ben Johnson
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