Leeds United return to Premier League action on Saturday when they take on Aston Villa at Villa Park. Daniel Farke’s squad will turn focus back onto their survival bid having beaten Birmingham City last weekend to progress into the FA Cup fifth round, where they will face Norwich City.
Farke confirmed on Thursday he will be without Noah Okafor at Villa Park, with the winger set to miss two-to-four weeks with a hamstring injury picked up at Birmingham. The Leeds boss has welcomed Anton Stach, Pascal Struijk and Daniel James back into training, however, with no new fitness issues to report.
Those returning players will leave Farke with some big decisions to make heading into Saturday’s Villa Park clash. And ahead of that trip, the YEP has predicted how the Whites boss could line his side up.
1. Predicted Leeds United XI vs Aston Villa
Lets see how Daniel Farke could line his Leeds United side up on Saturday. | Getty Images
2. GK: Karl Darlow
Expected to keep his starting place despite Lucas Perri's FA Cup heroics at Birmingham. Done nothing to be dropped since that Arsenal error. | Getty Images
3. CB: Joe Rodon
Brought on for extra-time at Birmingham so should be relatively well-rested. Back into his more natural role on the right of the trio due to returning players elsewhere. | Getty Images
4. CB: Jaka Bijol
Slovenian international back into the central defender role, where he was excellent pre-injury. Will have a battle on his hands at Villa, be it against Ollie Watkins or Tammy Abraham. | Michael Regan/Getty Images Photo: Michael Regan/Getty Images
5. CB: Pascal Struijk
A big boost for Leeds, with Farke confirming the Dutchman's availability on Thursday after injury. Comes straight back into the XI to complete arguably the strongest possible defensive unit alongside Rodon and Bijol. | Getty Images
6. RWB: Jayden Bogle
Back into a more natural role following his stint at right-wing against Chelsea last time out in the Premier League. Should be well-rested after an 82nd minute introduction at Birmingham. | Getty Images