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.
13. Sub: Sebastiaan Bornauw
Has struggled to make recent squads but with three centre-backs on the pitch, Bornauw comes on to the bench as back-up. Ampadu can also drop into the back three if necessary but natural cover is important. | Nigel French/PA Wire
.jpg?crop=4:3&trim=&width=800)
14. Sub: James Justin
First-choice cover at both left-back and right-back, having already come on and looked decent on either side. Versatility in that sense should see him get decent minutes, with Sam Byram not in the squad. | Nigel French/PA Wire
15. Sub: Ilia Gruev
Undoubtedly the natural back-up to Whites captain Ampadu. Could also come off the bench for a Tanaka or Stach if Leeds are holding on to a lead at any point. Photo: Marc Atkins
16. Sub: Brenden Aaronson
Could come on in place of someone like Okafor if Leeds are holding on to a lead, further packing out the middle of the pitch, or for a Tanaka if the Whites are chasing. | Getty Images
.jpeg?crop=4:3&trim=&width=800)
17. Sub: Daniel James
The Welshman is an option to come on at right-wing if Leeds move to a front-three in-game. Has the energy and pace to come on at right wing-back too, if Leeds are chasing a game. | Getty Images
.jpeg?crop=4:3&trim=&width=800)
18. Sub: Willy Gnonto
Could play a similar role to Okafor as a second striker but more useful out wide, most likely if Farke moves to a front three at any point in-game. | Getty Images