Leeds United fell into the Premier League relegation zone last weekend and remain there following Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa. For the second game running, Daniel Farke’s side went ahead through Lukas Nmecha before a second-half brace from Morgan Rogers took all three points back to Birmingham.
Farke made one change between defeats to Nottingham Forest and Villa, with another midfield tweak forced upon the Whites boss when Anton Stach went off with a head injury. The likes of Dan James, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Willy Gnonto were introduced from 70 minutes onwards and all had their moments, albeit while failing to score.
Leeds head to Manchester City this weekend and apart from Stach, don’t appear to have picked up any fresh injury issues. Below, the YEP takes a look at one possible team Farke could deploy to get the best out of his squad, on Saturday and for the rest of the season.
1. GK: Lucas Perri
There have been issues in recent weeks but Leeds need continuity between the posts, so Perri keeps his place. | Getty Images
2. CB: Joe Rodon
An ever-present at centre-back so far and probably Leeds' best defender this season. Set-piece threat has been important too. | Getty Images
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3. CB: Jaka Bijol
Seems most naturally suited to the central role in a back three, heading away crosses and making big blocks, and that's where he sits in this team. The formation switch improved Leeds massively at Man City. | Getty Images
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4. CB: Pascal Struijk
Managed Erling Haaland well on Saturday and looked back to a good level since returning to the starting line-up. Can be the focus of Leeds' build-up from deep, with a back three getting the best out of each centre-back. | Getty Images
5. RWB: Jayden Bogle
Another strong individual performance at City, showing he is more than capable of keeping top-level wingers from running riot. Attacking link-up play has been excellent too and a wing-back role allows more forward freedom. | Getty Images
6. CM: Ethan Ampadu
Will be tasked with sitting in front of the back three and mopping up as much as possible. Has a huge influence on others as club captain and still a massively important player for Farke. | Getty Images