Daniel Farke hinted that he could change his Premier League formation against Newcastle United on Saturday in light of Leeds United’s midfield injury woes.
Both Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka will both miss the game with knee injuries, which leaves three midfielders to choose from. Sean Longstaff looks set to make his first Premier League start for Leeds against his boyhood club.
Anton Stach could replace the wayward Ilia Gruev after a disappointing couple of outings in deep midfield. Farke deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation against Sheffield Wednesday having used a 4-3-3 set-up against Arsenal.
He could stick with the former tactic and use a number 10, as seen in midweek. It is not easy to predict who might play there. Brenden Aaronson underwhelmed at Hillsborough, as did Piroe.
Aaronson has normally played on the right flank anyway when used. Noah Okafor’s groin complaints mean Wilfried Gnonto will likely start on the left, ruling him out of the central berth.
Going by what was seen in pre-season and the changes made in the regular campaign so far, Joel Piroe might be played as the 10. It seems wise to put Lukas Nmecha up top given his ability to use his strength against the bulky defenders of Newcastle. He’s been the most in-form striker too.
Daniel James will play on the right as he works up to his peak form once more. He looked more sharp in his minimal stints against Arsenal and brought a more effective dimension when brought on against Sheffield Wednesday.
There is one defensive decision for Farke to make, which is at centre-back. While Pascal Struijk was off the boil against Arsenal, Jaka Bijol looked very rusty against a pacey Jamal Lowe on Tuesday. Newcastle also have pace with Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes.
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Leeds United
However, Struijk is not quick either and given Bijol is perhaps a bulkier asset, the Slovenian might get the nod. The other members of the defence that started against Arsenal will retain their place.
Lucas Perri will come back into goal with Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson at full-back while Joe Rodon partners Bijol in central defence.
Predicted Leeds United XI vs Newcastle: Perri; Bogle, Rodon, Bijol, Gudmundsson; Longstaff, Stach; James, Piroe, Gnonto; Nmecha.
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