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Left-back decision made: Leeds United team news and predicted XI to face Derby County

Leeds United are back in Championship action this weekend with a home clash against Derby County.

Leeds United are currently sat in 3rd place in the table behind Sheffield United and Burnley as they eye promotion to the Premier League.

leeds united players and fans

Image courtesy of: JASON CAIRNDUFF/REUTERS.

The Whites lost in the play-off final last season to Southampton at Wembley and are looking to bounce back.

Daniel Farke’s side lost 1-0 against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park in their last outing.

As per a report by the Yorkshire Evening Post, left-back Junior Firpo has emerged as a fresh doubt for Leeds United following a knock to his foot in training.

Full-back Sam Byram is unavailable with a hamstring injury, whilst Ilia Gruev remains sidelined. In more positive news, Ethan Ampadu and Isaac Schmidt are in contention to play again.

Starting XI

Meslier; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Wober; Tanaka, Rothwell; James, Aaronson, Gnonto; Piroe

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Ilan Meslier has been Leeds United’s number one again this season and is backed up by the experienced Karl Darlow on the bench.

Jayden Bogle made the switch to Elland Road in the summer from fellow Championship side Sheffield United and is expected to play again with Byram out.

Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk have formed a solid partnership in the heart of the backline for the Whites and will be looking to keep Derby County at bay.

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leeds united loan man joe rodon

Image courtesy of: ANDREW COULDRIDGE/REUTERS.

Farke has a big decision to make at left-back between Max Wober and Isaac Schmidt. The latter has only recently returned to training though and may not be completely ready to start yet.

In midfield, Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka have caught the eye in the middle of the park with Gruev and Ampadu sidelined. The latter is close to playing again but it remains to be seen at this stage whether he will be able to start just yet.

Dan James has pace to burn on the wing and will be eager to cause some issues for the Rams. Paul Warne’s side were promoted from League One last term along with Portsmouth and Oxford United and lost 2-1 at home to Sheffield Wednesday last time out.

Brendan Aaronson has enjoyed a new lease of life under Farke over recent times and injects quality into Leeds United’s ranks along with Willy Gnonto.

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Joel Piroe will want to add to his tally this weekend as he aims to get some more goals for himself.

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