Leeds United return to action in just over one week with Swansea City the visitors to Elland Road next Saturday. Daniel Farke’s side retained top-spot going into the March international break and have just eight games to stay there, or at the very worst drop down into second.
Farke undoubtedly has enough quality in his squad to secure automatic promotion and will hope the two-week break can offer a chance for injured players to close in on a return. But the German will have some big selection calls to make and while he generally calls on a trusted core, there could be a tweak or two to keep it fresh.
Leeds are in the fortunate position of having top-level quality throughout their entire squad and when Farke comes to picking each starting line-up, more will go into it than simply weighing up who is the better player on paper. But the YEP has attempted to draw up what it believes is the strongest possible team when everyone is back fit.
7. CM: Ao Tanaka
Joe Rothwell has done just about everything a player can do to earn a starting spot, but Tanaka is on another level and so often looks a cut above the Championship. Would be great to see him given more attacking freedom if playing alongside Ampadu. A rare threat from distance. Photo: George Wood
8. RW: Daniel James
Form levels have dropped a little in recent weeks, admittedly from a great height. Is undoubtedly Farke's first-choice on that side and has a great relationship with Bogle. Offers a slightly different profile to the likes of Largie Ramazani and Manor Solomon. Photo: George Wood
9. CAM: Wilfried Gnonto
After his off-the-bench impact at QPR, Farke admitted a more solid midfield pairing could offer Gnonto a shot at starting in the No.10 role and with Ampadu sitting deep, that chance is there. Was tipped to be the difference-maker following Crysencio Summerville's exit and still can be with eight games to go. | Naomi Baker/Getty Images Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty Images
10. LW: Manor Solomon
Another whose form has dropped off a little, but perhaps the international break can offer that reset. Looked far too good for the Championship in full flow earlier this year and has the quality to produce moments of magic in a split second. Ramazani is no slouch as cover, however, and could easily stake his own claim for a starting spot. Photo: Charlie Crowhurst
11. ST: Joel Piroe
Early-season questions as to who should start at No.9 have been answered, with Piroe right in the mix for this season's Golden Boot with 15 goals. Has improved with his involvement in build-up as well, albeit not to the point of perfection. If one chance comes to win a tight game, he's the man you want on it. | Getty Images