Leeds United will finally return to action with Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final at West Ham - and this is how we think the Whites will line up.
Sunday’s 4.30pm kick-off at the London Stadium will present United’s first game back after the two-week break for the March internationals, during which Leeds had a dozen players representing their countries on senior international duty.
Leeds signed off for the two-week break with the goalless draw at home to Premier League visitors Brentford on Saturday, March 21, for which boss Daniel Farke made just the one change to his side as the suspended Gabriel Gudmundsson was replaced by Jayden Bogle.
Star left back Gudmundsson is now back available from his one-game ban for Sunday’s quarter-final, ahead of which Farke has some huge decisions to make as his men battle for Premier League survival amid their strong FA Cup run.
The Whites boss has made big changes to his team in every round so far but will that still be the case with the lure of an FA Cup semi-final on offer? Then there are injury issues to contend with.
There’s a lot to consider and it’s a difficult call but this is ultimately the XI that we think Farke will go with against the Irons.
Karl Darlow's ascension to being new no 1 began with his start in the third round clash against Derby but that has then led to Perri playing the full duration of the fourth round win at Birmingham City and fifth round triumph at home to Norwich City. A penalty shoot-out hero at Birmingham, it seems likely the Brazilian will start again in goal.
1. GK: Lucas Perri
Karl Darlow's ascension to being new no 1 began with his start in the third round clash against Derby but that has then led to Perri playing the full duration of the fourth round win at Birmingham City and fifth round triumph at home to Norwich City. A penalty shoot-out hero at Birmingham, it seems likely the Brazilian will start again in goal. | Getty Images
The first of many difficult calls and not just a case of Bogle vs James Justin with Willy Gnonto and/or Dan James having emerged as wing back options in previous rounds. But Justin might be needed at centre-back and it feels like the right call to play natural right wing back Bogle in the position in such a big game.
2. RWB: Jayden Bogle
The first of many difficult calls and not just a case of Bogle vs James Justin with Willy Gnonto and/or Dan James having emerged as wing back options in previous rounds. But Justin might be needed at centre-back and it feels like the right call to play natural right wing back Bogle in the position in such a big game. | Getty Images
Why have one of Bogle or Justin when you can have both? The summer signing from Leicester City has become an impressive, reliable and versatile member of the team of late and might get another start at centre-back although it could also be that Joe Rodon now comes in for his first FA Cup start of the season. But the fact that Rodon has yet to start in the competition sways the thought process that he might again be on the bench.
3. CB: James Justin
Why have one of Bogle or Justin when you can have both? The summer signing from Leicester City has become an impressive, reliable and versatile member of the team of late and might get another start at centre-back although it could also be that Joe Rodon now comes in for his first FA Cup start of the season. But the fact that Rodon has yet to start in the competition sways the thought process that he might again be on the bench. | Getty Images
Towering Slovenian international defender has played every minute of United's run to the quarter-finals and he looks a banker bet to start assuming Farke goes with a three-man centre-back axis as seems likely.
4. CB: Jaka Bijol
Towering Slovenian international defender has played every minute of United's run to the quarter-finals and he looks a banker bet to start assuming Farke goes with a three-man centre-back axis as seems likely. | Getty Images
If Rodon is on the bench then it's Struijk or Sebastiaan Bornauw for the other centre back position on the basis that Justin and banker bet Bijol take the other two positions. Bornauw started the fifth round clash against Norwich but came off at the break and has been an unused sub twice since so it might be that Struijk gets the call as part of a strong line-up with an FA Cup semi-final place at stake.
5. CB: Pascal Struijk
If Rodon is on the bench then it's Struijk or Sebastiaan Bornauw for the other centre back position on the basis that Justin and banker bet Bijol take the other two positions. Bornauw started the fifth round clash against Norwich but came off at the break and has been an unused sub twice since so it might be that Struijk gets the call as part of a strong line-up with an FA Cup semi-final place at stake. | Getty Images
A player who will be back at Leeds with an almighty spring in his step having helped Sweden book their place at this summer's World Cup and miles ahead as first choice left back, Gudmundsson clearly now one of the club's best players. As such, it could be argued that he is one not to 'risk' but Gudmundsson started the fourth round and fifth round games and seems to thrive on being busy. Justin at left wing back or Gnonto, James or even Sam Byram are other options but the feeling is that Gudmundsson will complete a strong back line as part of a strong side.
6. LWB: Gabi Gudmundsson
A player who will be back at Leeds with an almighty spring in his step having helped Sweden book their place at this summer's World Cup and miles ahead as first choice left back, Gudmundsson clearly now one of the club's best players. As such, it could be argued that he is one not to 'risk' but Gudmundsson started the fourth round and fifth round games and seems to thrive on being busy. Justin at left wing back or Gnonto, James or even Sam Byram are other options but the feeling is that Gudmundsson will complete a strong back line as part of a strong side. | Getty Images