Leeds United don’t need telling how big a win at home to Brentford this weekend could be. Daniel Farke’s side welcome the Bees to Elland Road knowing victory would pull them six points clear of the relegation zone until at least Sunday afternoon, when West Ham go to Aston Villa.
Farke has been boosted by the return to fitness of Noah Okafor, who has been back in training all week following hamstring and hip issues. Gabriel Gudmundsson, however, is out through suspension following his controversial sending off at Crystal Palace last weekend.
With no injury-related absences whatsoever, Farke has a strong Leeds squad to pick from with some key dilemmas across the pitch. Below, the YEP attempts to predict how the Whites boss might line up under the lights on Saturday night.
7. CM: Ethan Ampadu
A near-perfect captain's performance at Palace was needed following a couple of weeks below par. Will need to lead again amid the pressure of what feels close to a must-win game. | Getty Images
8. CM: Anton Stach
Ran himself into the ground at Selhurst Park but should be ready to go again after a full week to recover. Set-piece quality could prove crucial. | Getty Images
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9. LWB: James Justin
Moves across to the left side with Gabriel Gudmundsson suspended. The versatile defender seems perfectly comfortable wherever he's dropped. | AFP via Getty Images
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10. RW: Brenden Aaronson
Been a mainstay in the starting-XI since hitting form over the festive period, albeit his productivity has dropped. Saturday would be a good time to get back in the goals. | Getty Images
11. LW: Noah Okafor
Having been in training all week, and with Farke keen not to wrap anyone in cotton wool, it could be that Okafor returns to try and kick Leeds off on the front foot at home. The hope would be his side are ahead by the time he needs to come off during the second-half. | Getty Images
12. ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Reacted well to the costly missed penalty at Palace and did a lot of the dirty work Leeds needed of him. Could do with finding the net soon, having last scored against Nottingham Forest six games ago. | Getty Images