Junior Firpo limped off during the 3-0 win at Cardiff City with a suspected dead leg and Farke is due to give an update on the left-back’s fitness when he sits down with the media on Friday afternoon to preview the Preston game. Sam Byram returned from his latest injury to come off the bench and replace Firpo as, not for the first time, their fitness issues dovetailed. If both men are fit then Farke has a big call to make because Byram has been consistently good at left-back this season, while Firpo has started to grow in influence when it comes to the Whites’ offensive game, chipping in with assists in each of the last two outings.
On the right hand side of Farke’s defence is the only other real discussion to be had when it comes to team selection, given the performance of the side last weekend in Wales and how they have been performing since the turn of the year. Archie Gray, who was excellent against the Bluebirds, had a difficult time of it against Preston at Deepdale on Boxing Day, struggling to contain Lilywhites left winger Liam Miller. Farke could put the vastly experienced full-back Byram in there, if Firpo is fit to keep his place on the left, or bring Jamie Shackleton in at right-back. Alternatively, he could continue to back Gray as he has done this consistently season and send a message to boost the teenager’s already blossoming confidence. Gray agreed a new contract at Elland Road this week and will be hoping to continue his run in the side.
Leeds’ injury absentees at Cardiff last week included Pascal Struijk, who is yet to return from a groin problem he sustained after the Preston away game, and fellow left-sided centre-back Liam Cooper who also sat out with a groin issue. The absence of the two central defenders meant Farke went with Ethan Ampadu next to Joe Rodon, playing Ilia Gruev in midfield alongside Glen Kamara. Farke called it Gruev’s best performance in a Leeds shirt so far this season and pointed out Ampadu’s wealth of experience as a central defender, after the victory. Goalkeeper Karl Darlow remains out of action with a dislocated thumb and Stuart Dallas is still in rehabilitation for an April 2022 fracture of his femur.
Here’s the YEP’s predicted XI for Sunday’s clash with Preston at Elland Road.
7. Glen Kamara
Kamara is proving to be an astute bit of business for Leeds, given the circa £5m price tag. Against Cardiff he was at his best, popping up everywhere Leeds needed him and making good choices in possession. Pic: Jess Hornby/Getty Images Photo: Jess Hornby
8. Daniel James
James' ability and willingness to get up and down the pitch would make him a natural choice for this game, so he can assist Gray, even without considering his nine goals and five assists this season. He's scored in each of his last two. Highly likely to keep his place. Pic: George Wood/Getty Images Photo: George Wood
9. Crysencio Summerville
Although last week was not his finest performance, he still grabbed an assist and had a hand in the other goals. A player with the potential to unlock a stubborn defence, Leeds will need him at his best against Preston on Sunday. Pic: George Wood/Getty Images Photo: George Wood
10. Georginio Rutter
The Frenchman has looked like a man enjoying his football in the number 10 role behind Patrick Bamford. He was a problem for Cardiff and his goal was just reward for his overall performance. Another player whose creativity could be vital on Sunday. Pic: George Wood/Getty Images Photo: George Wood
11. Patrick Bamford
Even had he not scored three goals in three games, Bamford's number nine play, his pressing and the space he creates for Rutter would be sufficient justification for his place in the starting XI. Pic: George Wood/Getty Images Photo: George Wood