Leeds United return to action this weekend as they face Fulham at Craven Cottage. Daniel Farke’s side took four points from three games in August and will hope to build on that encouraging start, albeit their hosts will be desperate for a Premier League victory which hasn’t yet come this season.
Farke confirmed on Thursday he could welcome back midfield pair Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka, both of whom have missed recent games due to knee injuries, with late decisions to be taken. There will also be late calls made on Lukas Nmecha and Joel Piroe, while goalkeeper Lucas Perri is out with a quad injury.
Injuries could force Farke’s hand when it comes to team selection but should those aforementioned doubts pass late fitness tests, the Whites boss will have a few key decisions to make. Below is the YEP’s predicted XI for the weekend.
7. CDM: Ethan Ampadu
Returned early from a knee injury last weekend and played the full 90 minutes. The Welshman's leadership and bite in midfield will be crucial away from home in such a big early game. | Getty Images
8. CM: Ao Tanaka
Like Struijk, Sean Longstaff has done nothing to be dropped but Tanaka's technical class in midfield has been missed - and will be needed if Leeds want to enjoy more possession. A better compliment for Anton Stach too, who has struggled a little in recent weeks. | Clive Rose/Getty Images Photo: Clive Rose/Getty Images
9. CM: Anton Stach
Hasn't hit those early heights in recent weeks but should improve if Tanaka shoulders some of the in-possession responsibilities. A return to the midfield trio that dominated Everton a month ago and has not played together since. | Getty Images
10. RW: Willy Gnonto
A 'major doubt' as Farke put it but if Gnonto can pass a late fitness test, his intelligence in tight spaces could be crucial against a compact Wolves back-three/five. If the Italian and Dan James are both out, it will likely be Brenden Aaronson. | Getty Images
11. LW: Noah Okafor
Got his first Premier League start at Craven Cottage and looked dangerous at times, with the quality clear. Leeds desperately need goals and so it's imperative their £18m summer signing makes an impact. | AFP via Getty Images
12. ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Another who got his first league start at Craven Cottage but missed a decent headed chance - albeit one that looked slightly offside. Looked decent in spells and hope the 28-year-old can only grow sharper with every minute played. | Getty Images