The countdown is on to Leeds United’s mouth-watering Roses derby at home to Manchester United - and this is how we think the Whites will line up.
Just three days after the New Year’s Day evening trip to Liverpool, Daniel Farke’s Whites will take in their first home game of 2026 against the club’s fiercest rivals Manchester United in a 12.30pm kick-off at Elland Road.
Despite now having four big players out, Farke has plenty to consider following the displays of four men brought into the team for the Thursday night clash at Anfield.
Sebastiaan Bornauw, Ilia Gruev, Lukas Nmecha and in particularly man of the match James Justin all excelled as Farke’s men left the defending champions with a goalless draw, extending the team’s unbeaten run to six games.
Three days later, with captain Ethan Ampadu now suspended, we think more big changes will be in the offing against the Red Devils.
Featuring a star man’s return and big Elland Road full debut, this is the XI that we think Farke will send out against Ruben Amorim’s team.
1. GK: Lucas Perri
Clear first choice keeper and one of the easiest picks between the sticks. | Getty Images
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2. RWB: Jayden Bogle
Clear first choice right back Bogle was rested at Liverpool and dropped to the bench as James Justin came in but Justin impressed to such a degree that it's no gimme that Bogle just automatically comes back into the side. He is, though, one of United's main men and it would still be a surprise if he we was not restored to the XI and there is always the option to play Justin at centre-back if desired. | Getty Images
3. CB: Sebastiaan Bornauw
Bornauw was another player brought into the side at Liverpool for what was his full Premier League debut and he too impressed as part of a three-man centre-back axis before coming off late on, seemingly due to cramp. Assuming Farke sticks with the same system and that all is well with Bornauw fitness wise it seems likely that Bornauw will keep his place although a swap for Justin is definitely possible. Should Bornauw start it will mark the big Elland Road first of a full Premier League home debut there. | Getty Images
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4. CB: Jaka Bijol
The giant Slovenian defender summer signing seems particularly well suited to playing as the central defender in a three-man centre-back axis which appears likely against the Red Devils. | Getty Images
5. CB: Pascal Struijk
The left-footed defender is another square peg square hole solution in a three-man centre-back axis, a role which also seems to suit him very well. Not impossible that Farke switches to a back four but the 5-3-2 seems more likely. | Getty Images
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6. LWB: Gabriel Gudmundsson
The Swede has proved a brilliant summer signing who looks just as good if not better as a left wing back. Probably due a rest but otherwise a no brainer pick on that side. | Getty Images