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.
7. CM: Ao Tanaka
Has certainly looked a little off the pace in recent weeks - Farke has admitted as much - but a cut above virtually any other Championship midfielder on his day. The key will be keeping him fit, physically and mentally, with no real cover in midfield for at least the next two games. Photo: George Wood
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8. RW: Willy Gnonto
A blow to see James pick up a hamstring injury but Gnonto is some level of cover. Was at his best earlier this season roaming into central areas from out wide, with hope he can return to those levels. Still managing an ankle injury but he's been fit enough to play the last two games. | Rhianna Chadwick/PA Wire
9. CAM: Brenden Aaronson
Very much looked in need of a rest going into the break and got it at Luton, returning to the starting line-up in midweek. As always, some nice touches and plenty of running but a sense of panic never too far away. If Gnonto goes wide then Aaronson has to start at No.10. | Getty Images
10. LW: Manor Solomon
Form has dropped a little in recent weeks but got the vital assist at Middlesbrough and should have had two, but for Tanaka's incorrectly disallowed goal. Really efficient with his attacking movements and quite clearly preferred to Isaac Schmidt or Largie Ramazani. | Getty Images
11. ST: Patrick Bamford
The only question will be if Bamford is fit enough to play 70-plus minutes, but he's now been great in two substitute appearances and completely outshone the starting Joel Piroe. It would be a great story if he were to score the promotion-securing goal at some point. | Getty Images