Leeds United’s focus will briefly turn away from Premier League survival when they travel to Derby County in the FA Cup third round on Sunday. Daniel Farke’s side fell to their first league defeat in eight at Newcastle United on Wednesday and will see a trip to the mid-table Championship outfit as an opportunity to rebuild momentum.
Having lost to second-tier strugglers Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup back in August, Leeds will know they cannot be complacent but with their Premier League status still on the line the priority is undoubtedly elsewhere. It’s been a hectic winter period for Farke’s side and so rotation is expected, where possible.
Leeds haven’t quite got the squad depth to name a completely different line-up to the one that started at Newcastle, particularly with a few fitness issues, but there will be changes. With that in mind, the YEP has attempted to predict how Farke could line his side up at Pride Park.
2. GK: Karl Darlow
In for Lucas Perri as the first of several changes. Might fancy a shot at usurping the Brazilian if he performs well at Pride Park, given recent errors and criticism from Farke. | Getty Images
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3. RB: James Justin
Even if Jayden Bogle is fit, risking him from the start could easily backfire. Would be a third start in eight days but Leeds are a little short on cover and rotation feels more needed elsewhere. | Getty Images
4. CB: Sebastiaan Bornauw
Impressed in the absence of Joe Rodon and a late cameo at Newcastle should leave the Belgian fit to start on Sunday. Expected to return to the role of back-up until any other injuries might crop up. | AFP via Getty Images
5. CB: Pascal Struijk
Again, Leeds cannot fully rotate and with Rodon just returning from injury while Jaka Bijol is adapting to the relentless English schedule, Struijk feels like the safest choice physically. A candidate for the armband too. | Getty Images
6. LB: Sam Byram
Gabriel Gudmundsson is the only Leeds player to feature in every Premier League game this season, with more minutes under his belt than any teammate. The Swede needs a rest and Byram needs some action, having not featured since the end of August. | Getty Images