Leeds United face a seismic next Premier League test with Saturday’s clash at Manchester City - and this is how we think the Whites will line up.
Boss Daniel Farke will have to make at least two changes to his side due to midfielders Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff being out injured.
Farke revealed at Thursday’s pre-match press conference that regular starter Longstaff had suffered a calf injury in last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa and was facing four to six weeks out.
That meant a double blow for Farke and his midfield following Stach’s withdrawal against Villa after the German suffered a blow to the head after challenging keeper Emi Martinez for Lukas Nmecha’s goal.
Stach attempted to play on but was eventually taken off and the German must now miss Saturday’s trip to the Etihad due to concussion protocols.
Farke had made just the one change to his team against Villa for which Pascal Struijk replaced Jaka Bijol at centre-back as Nmecha, Brenden Aaronson and Noah Okafor again got the nod for the three attacking positions.
That meant the returning Willy Gnonto, Dan James, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Joel Piroe all had to make do with places on the bench, the quartet all brought on towards the end of the second half.
Gnonto was bagging his first minutes since September after recovering from calf issues and then minor hernia surgery. The Italian and fellow winger James quickly looked bright, James also back from injury of late upon returning earlier than expected from a rolled ankle.
It all leaves Farke with plenty to consider, not least whether to opt for a new formation upon two key centre midfielders being injured as Leeds attempt to deal with City and in particular striker Erling Haaland.
Taking into account everything we know and what Farke said at Thursday’s press conference, this is the XI that we think he will send out for Saturday’s 3pm kick-off at the Etihad.
1. GK: Lucas Perri
The way Morgan Rogers' free-kick sailed past a stationary Perri did not look great but the Brazilian is clear first choice keeper who has started the last four games since returning from injury and it would be a big surprise if there was a change for Karl Darlow or Illan Meslier in goal. | Getty Images
2. RB: Jayden Bogle
Clear first choice right back who has started every league game so far this season and hard to see that changing when fit. But will it be as part of a back four or back five? | Getty Images
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3. CB: Joe Rodon
Whatever Farke opts to do with his formation and back line, rock solid Rodon is clearly the first defensive name on the teamsheet and appears United's best chance of dealing with Haaland in what could be a good battle, one Rodon will probably be relishing. | Getty Images
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4. CB: Pascal Struijk
Struijk replaced the benched Bijol in defence against Villa and didn't do an awful lot wrong. It would be a surprise if he didn't keep his place in the side. More a case of whether Bijol now joins him in a back five. | Getty Images
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5. LB: Gabriel Gudmundsson
Farke might be tempted to go with a back five and have Rodon, Struijk and Bijol forming a giant three-man centre-back axis upon midfielders Longstaff and Stach being out but it would be a huge call and sticking to what his Leeds side are used to seems more likely. Either way, clear first choice left back Gudmundsson clearly starts on that side of the defence. | Getty Images
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6. CM: Ethan Ampadu
If Farke sticks with a back four and three-man centre midfield then the latter picks itself with Longstaff and Stach being out injured, captain Ampadu two of the deeper sitting Whites men in it. | Getty Images