Leeds United kick off their seven-game Premier League home straight with a tricky trip to Manchester United on Monday. The Whites beat West Ham on penalties to secure an FA Cup semi-final spot last weekend but it came at a cost, with Anton Stach and Joe Rodon both suffering injuries.
Daniel Farke confirmed on Thursday the pair will miss Monday’s trip to Old Trafford and likely the rest of April, with Daniel James (adductor) also sidelined. There are doubts over Jaka Bijol (knock), Gabriel Gudmundsson (groin) and Noah Okafor (back) too, with the Leeds squad all of a sudden looking potentially threadbare.
But Farke was not feeling sorry for himself on Thursday and instead saw that growing injury list as an opportunity for those on the fringes to contribute. Below, the YEP has attempted to predict how the Leeds boss could line up with changes enforced and a difficult match ahead.
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1. Leeds United Predicted XI vs Man Utd
Let's take a look how Daniel Farke could line up on Monday. | Getty Images
2. GK: Karl Darlow
Perri was the penalty-shootout hero last weekend but Darlow has done nothing to lose his place. Farke will want stability between the posts. | Cody Froggatt/PA Wire
3. CB: James Justin
Mr Versatile might have to drop back into the three with Rodon out due to an ankle injury. Will be tasked with performing that hybrid role between centre-back and right-back. | John Walton/PA Wire
4. CB: Jaka Bijol
Doubtful due to a knock but with another couple of days to recover, there is hope the combative centre-back will be okay. Could come up against Slovenia teammate Benjamin Sesko. | Local Library
5. CB: Pascal Struijk
Calm as ever from the spot on Sunday and will need to be right at it against Manchester United. Has to be sharp covering left wing-back with the likes of Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo combining. | Local Library
6. RWB: Jayden Bogle
Had a pretty difficult time with Jarrod Bowen and then Adama Traore last weekend - and it won't get any easier on Monday against Matheus Cunha. Will be needed to help Leeds up the pitch too. | Getty Images