Wilfried Gnonto, Ilia Gruev and Georginio Rutter axed – Predicted Leeds United XI v Watford
Daniel Farke looks set to be forced into making changes to his Leeds United starting lineup for their big Championship clash with Watford on Friday.
The Whites moved to the top of the table with a 2-0 win over Millwall in their last outing before the international break, and will look to continue their unbeaten start to 2024 at Vicarage Road.
However the boss has revealed a host of injury issues that have been suffered over the international break, and he now looks set to be forced into making changes to a winning team.
Leeds have problems in defence
Illan Meslier remains healthy and will start in goal barring any last minute issues, but the defence ahead of him is likely to see changes.
Connor Roberts was forced off injured in Wales’ game with Poland on Tuesday, while Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon both completed 120 minutes of the same game as they suffered defeat via penalties. But the latter two are likely to continue in central defence, with Pascal Struijk ruled out for the rest of the season.
Junior Firpo isn’t due to return to Thorp Arch until Thursday morning after his appearances for Dominican Republic, but with Roberts likely to miss the game he is likely to be needed at left-back so Sam Byram can feature at right-back.
That’s because Ilia Gruev is also an injury doubt after hurting his ankle while with Bulgaria, which means young sensation Archie Gray should move into his natural midfield position to partner Glen Kamara.
Daniel James redemption arc?
Winger Dan James suffered the heartache of missing the vital penalty that means Wales won’t be at Euro 2024, but he should get the chance to redeem himself at club level from the start with in-form winger Wilfried Gnonto a doubt due to a hamstring injury.
Crysencio Summerville will continue on the left despite being on his longest goal drought of the season so far, and despite reacting well to hernia surgery Georginio Rutter is likely to start on the bench meaning Joel Piroe features as the number ten behind lead striker Patrick Bamford.
In other Leeds news, an international ace is set to be axed ahead of the clash with Watford.
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