That Joe Rothwell ended his magnificent display against Millwall on Wednesday with a stiff knee likely means Daniel Farke will revert to type versus Queens Park Rangers this weekend.
Farke has started Ilia Gruev in the last five Leeds United away games, indicating that the Bulgarian gives the team more defensive protection at grounds where the club might not be as dominant as they would normally be at Elland Road.
It seems inevitable that Gruev will replace Rothwell in the starting XI with Ao Tanaka, by default, getting the nod in midfield alongside him with Josuha Guilavogui not realistically near selection.
Otherwise, the team might well stay the same as on Wednesday, barring any late knocks and setbacks. Farke confirmed in his press conference on Thursday that he expects to have the same squad for Saturday.
Illan Meslier is a clean sheet away from surpassing last season’s tally of 21 and will wish to claim a blank away from home given the manner of the goal conceded against Portsmouth. The same will apply for Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk.
They will be flanked by Jayden Bogle and Junior Firpo, Bogle now being past the point where 10 cards will see him incur a two-game ban.
In front of the full-backs will be Daniel James and Manor Solomon. It was Solomon’s cross that led to the opening own goal against Millwall, though it did not go down as an assist. Therefore, despite their great form this season, neither have scored or assisted in their last two matches.
Joel Piroe will lead the line as he looks for his 16th goal of the season, having not netted in his last three matches and once in his past five outings.
Leeds United predicted XI: Meslier; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Firpo; Tanaka, Gruev; James, Aaronson, Solomon; Piroe.