Leeds United don’t need telling how big a win at home to Brentford this weekend could be. Daniel Farke’s side welcome the Bees to Elland Road knowing victory would pull them six points clear of the relegation zone until at least Sunday afternoon, when West Ham go to Aston Villa.
Farke has been boosted by the return to fitness of Noah Okafor, who has been back in training all week following hamstring and hip issues. Gabriel Gudmundsson, however, is out through suspension following his controversial sending off at Crystal Palace last weekend.
With no injury-related absences whatsoever, Farke has a strong Leeds squad to pick from with some key dilemmas across the pitch. Below, the YEP attempts to predict how the Whites boss might line up under the lights on Saturday night.
Let's see how Daniel Farke could line his Leeds side up on Saturday.
1. Predicted Leeds United XI vs Brentford
Let's see how Daniel Farke could line his Leeds side up on Saturday. | Getty Images
Produced a brilliant save to deny Jefferson Lerma before his rebound was disallowed for offside, which rendered the stop meaningless but no-less impressive. Steadied the ship this past few weeks.
2. GK: Karl Darlow
Produced a brilliant save to deny Jefferson Lerma before his rebound was disallowed for offside, which rendered the stop meaningless but no-less impressive. Steadied the ship this past few weeks. | Getty Images
Should get more chance to embrace the right-back role of his hybrid position, having been pinned back at Palace for large parts. Covering pace will be important too against a good counter-attacking opponent.
3. CB: Joe Rodon
Should get more chance to embrace the right-back role of his hybrid position, having been pinned back at Palace for large parts. Covering pace will be important too against a good counter-attacking opponent. | Getty Images
Recovered well after a shaky first-half back in the starting XI at Palace. Will need to be at his physical best against 19-goal Igor Thiago.
4. CB: Jaka Bijol
Recovered well after a shaky first-half back in the starting XI at Palace. Will need to be at his physical best against 19-goal Igor Thiago. | AFP via Getty Images
Another who defended brilliantly after a slight early wobble at Palace. Yet to score this season, unlike Rodon and Bijol, but Saturday would be a great time to open that account.
5. CB: Pascal Struijk
Another who defended brilliantly after a slight early wobble at Palace. Yet to score this season, unlike Rodon and Bijol, but Saturday would be a great time to open that account. | Getty Images
Defended well off the bench at Palace and expected to come back into the starting-XI due to circumstances elsewhere. Should hopefully have more of a chance to affect things in the final third.
6. RWB: Jayden Bogle
Defended well off the bench at Palace and expected to come back into the starting-XI due to circumstances elsewhere. Should hopefully have more of a chance to affect things in the final third. | Getty Images