Daniel Farke has a few key selection decisions to make ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to Brentford. Leeds United head to the Gtech Community Stadium with renewed optimism, having taken four points from home games against Chelsea and Liverpool last week.
Lukas Nmecha missed his side’s 3-3 draw against the latter due to a hamstring injury that will keep him sidelined for this weekend at least. Sean Longstaff and Daniel James are also unavailable due to longer-term calf and hamstring tendon issues respectively, albeit a full week of recovery means all other squad members are good to go.
Having started each of the last two games in a 3-5-2 formation before switching to a back-four at 2-0 down against Liverpool, there is a fresh air of unpredictability regarding how Farke might line up. But the YEP has given it a shot, with a change in midfield for Sunday’s game at the Gtech Community Stadium.
7. CM: Ethan Ampadu
Another who is one booking away from a ban. Nastiness and combative nature will be needed against an equally physical Brentford outfit. | Getty Images
8. CM: Anton Stach
Looked back to his best against Chelsea and Liverpool last week, scoring in the latter game. Leeds' best midfield trio looks pretty well set at the minute with Sean Longstaff out. | Getty Images
9. CM: Ao Tanaka
Benched against Liverpool before coming on to equalise in added-time. A full week of recovery should be enough for the Japanese international to return to the starting line-up. Provides balance to the physicality of Ampadu and Stach. | Mike Egerton/PA Wire
10. LWB: Gabriel Gudmundsson
It remains to be seen who the Swede will be up against, with usual Brentford right-winger Kevin Schade suspended. Will have benefitted from a week off, given his physical output in recent weeks. | AFP via Getty Images
11. ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Scored in three consecutive games for the first time since February 2021 thanks to Saturday's penalty against Liverpool. Will be in for another big battle against Brentford's physical defenders. | Martin Rickett/PA Wire
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12. ST: Noah Okafor
The best option to work around Calvert-Lewin's knockdowns with Lukas Nmecha still out injured. Will need to affect the game a little more than he managed against Liverpool. | Getty Images