Leeds United fell a little closer to the Premier League relegation zone following Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest, with two weeks to reflect another disappointing away-day. Daniel Farke’s side are now just two places and one point above West Ham in 18th and return from the November international break with a home game against Aston Villa.
A number of first-teamers are away on international duty but the two-week break will allow Farke to work with the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor, while Willy Gnonto will also have another fortnight to build fitness having not played since September. And the break could give the German a chance to nail down his strongest XI ahead of Villa.
There are some key decisions to make at centre-back and in central midfield, while calls are growing for a change out wide as Leeds’ issues further forward continue. Below, the YEP has attempted to draw up the strongest starting line-up and bench that could be on show at Elland Road next weekend.
Made some excellent saves in recent weeks but could also have done better in some situations, such as the parry for Ibrahim Sangare's goal last weekend.
1. GK: Lucas Perri
Made some excellent saves in recent weeks but could also have done better in some situations, such as the parry for Ibrahim Sangare's goal last weekend. | Getty Images
Started every Premier League game and nailed on first-choice right-back. Has struggled to impact games in recent weeks, albeit Leeds have been poor overall.
2. RB: Jayden Bogle
Started every Premier League game and nailed on first-choice right-back. Has struggled to impact games in recent weeks, albeit Leeds have been poor overall. | Getty Images
The only squad member to play every available Premier League minute so far, highlighting his importance to Daniel Farke. Has the pace to cover in behind, which other centre-backs lack, and been a real attacking set-piece threat too.
3. CB: Joe Rodon
The only squad member to play every available Premier League minute so far, highlighting his importance to Daniel Farke. Has the pace to cover in behind, which other centre-backs lack, and been a real attacking set-piece threat too. | Getty Images
Leeds' best period came with Struijk alongside Rodon and perhaps the Dutchman deserves a fresh shot after a few weeks out. His replacement Jaka Bijol has not set the world alight and there have been issues in build-up with two right-footers.
4. CB: Pascal Struijk
Leeds' best period came with Struijk alongside Rodon and perhaps the Dutchman deserves a fresh shot after a few weeks out. His replacement Jaka Bijol has not set the world alight and there have been issues in build-up with two right-footers. | Getty Images
One of the best performers so far, bombing down the left flank regularly and defending with aggression. Linking up well with whoever plays ahead of him too, which is a great sign.
5. LB: Gabriel Gudmundsson
One of the best performers so far, bombing down the left flank regularly and defending with aggression. Linking up well with whoever plays ahead of him too, which is a great sign. | Getty Images
Has been aggressive and excellent for the most part, albeit with a couple of under-par performances recently. Has a nastiness Leeds need in central midfield, particularly against technically superior opponents. Looks to have been assigned to long throws when playing too.
6. CDM: Ethan Ampadu
Has been aggressive and excellent for the most part, albeit with a couple of under-par performances recently. Has a nastiness Leeds need in central midfield, particularly against technically superior opponents. Looks to have been assigned to long throws when playing too. | Getty Images