Leeds United are 38 games into their Championship campaign and Daniel Farke might finally be able to name his strongest possible line-up soon. As is so often the case, injury issues have kept first-team regulars out of action across the season but an impressive squad depth has ensured standards rarely drop.
A big miss in recent weeks has been Ethan Ampadu but following confirmation the Welshman has been in full team training since last Friday, fans might get a look at the midfield pairing they’ve wanted all season. The Welshman has only started alongside Ao Tanaka once, against Derby County, but changes elsewhere meant it was not Leeds’ strongest side.
While Ampadu is not expected to start against Swansea City on Saturday, his return will give Farke an almost fully clean bill of health going into his side’s final eight games. And the YEP has drawn up what it thinks is his strongest possible starting line-up.
1. GK: Karl Darlow
Leeds needed a steady presence between the posts and have got exactly that from Darlow since coming in at Luton Town. Saves what he is expected to save and claims what is is expected to claim. Added a real sense of calm and assurance. | Getty Images
2. RB: Jayden Bogle
Will have his hat in the ring for Player of the Season barring a major drop in form, having scored his fifth goal of the campaign at QPR before the break. Has two assists to boot and providing the kind of attacking threat from right-back Leeds lacked last term. | Getty Images
3. CB: Joe Rodon
Virtually ever-present, starting every Championship game and coming off just once, for five minutes during September's 1-0 defeat to Burnley. Has been an absolute rock at the back. Could probably do with a few more goals, given his physicality. Photo: Charlie Crowhurst
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4. CB: Ethan Ampadu
Dropped alongside Rodon pretty seamlessly in the absence of Struijk, who could be out for the season if scans show a foot fracture. Aggressive and front-footed, with a great range of passing to boot. Not yet at his best since returning from injury but certainly improving. | Getty Images
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5. LB: Junior Firpo
Leeds' joint-most creative player with nine assists alongside Dan James, and has three goals too. A massive attacking threat and so incredibly hard for opposition wingers to follow when he drifts into inside-left positions. Been solid defensively. | Getty Images
6. CM: Ilia Gruev
A no-brainer with Joe Rothwell injured and Ampadu at centre-back, adding some extra defensive solidity at a time where clean sheets are massive. Quietly went about his business at Middlesbrough and Farke will hope for more of the same between now and May. | Getty Images