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.
7. CM: Anton Stach
Missed City on Saturday due to concussion but with Longstaff unavailable, his physicality will be much-needed alongside Ampadu. Would have more freedom to push on but defensive cover is a must too or Leeds would risk getting overrun. | Getty Images
8. CM: Ao Tanaka
Offers balance to the running power of a Stach and has a little more guile, for when defences need to be broken down. Would have the most positional freedom of the three, dropping into full-back areas in build-up and also pushing forward when Leeds have sustained possession. | Stu Forster/Getty Images
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9. LWB: Gabriel Gudmundsson
Dropped for Manchester City but remains one of Leeds' best performers so far this season. Like Bogle on the other side, he would benefit from a little more cover in behind, allowing him to push on with more freedom. | Getty Images
10. ST: Noah Okafor
Leeds signed Okafor to make a difference in attack and in behind a natural No.9, he could flourish. Would have the freedom to drift wide and link-up with wing-backs where necessary and the new role removes some of the defensive demand he has recently struggled with. | AFP via Getty Images
11. ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Showed off the bench at City exactly why he should be Leeds' main man upfront, and why a direct style of play is the most likely route to survival. Such a nuisance for opposition defenders and should be well-supported by Okafor, Bogle, Gudmundsson and Tanaka when bringing down long balls. Photo: Marc Atkins
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12. Sub: Karl Darlow
Proved a perfectly capable cover option during the weeks Perri was out injured. Might feel he deserves a proper shot at being first-choice. | Getty Images