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Leeds United are back on the road this weekend with Nottingham Forest their Sunday-afternoon hosts. Daniel Farke’s side lost 3-0 at Brighton last time out but remain two places and four points above the relegation zone, meaning they cannot drop into the bottom three going into the November international break.
Leeds will be focused on increasing that four-point gap at Forest but could be forced to travel without Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who as of Friday lunchtime hadn’t trained with the squad due to an adductor injury picked up last weekend. Farke confirmed in his pre-game press conference a late decision will be taken on the 28-year-old while Willy Gnonto is back in contention to make the journey.
Last week’s defeat at Brighton could well prove the catalyst for change and Farke has options, should he decide to tweak his approach at the City Ground. With that in mind, the YEP has attempted to predict his starting XI below.
7. CDM: Ethan Ampadu
Hasn't been quite at his best in recent weeks and will have a task on his hands keeping Morgan Gibbs-White quiet. It's the kind of test he relishes, however. | Getty Images
8. CM: Sean Longstaff
Sunday will likely be the kind of game where Leeds really need Longstaff's experience and energy. Set-piece quality a big positive too, given Forest's frailties. | Getty Images
9. CM: Anton Stach
Gets the nod ahead of Ao Tanaka on the basis Farke sets up for an away-day scrap. Will hopefully have shaken off recent rib issues to rediscover his early-season form. | Getty Images
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10. RW: Daniel James
Leeds have really missed someone like James, who will bust a gut to get alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin when the ball goes long. Pace to burn could be a problem for Forest too. | Getty Images
11. LW: Noah Okafor
Got through 77 minutes at Brighton and continued to look dangerous all the way through, which is a boost given how carefully he's having to be managed. Leeds' best attacking threat at the minute. | Getty Images
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12. ST: Lukas Nmecha
Leeds cannot risk Calvert-Lewin if there is any doubt over his adductor injury, given they've done so well to keep him fit so far. Nmecha gets the nod over Joel Piroe for what looks set to be a physical battle. | Getty Images