Leeds United will have the chance to further extend their lead on relegation rivals when they host Sunderland this evening. The Whites lost 1-0 at home to Manchester City last time out but with everyone around them also losing over the weekend, a six-point gap on 18th-placed West Ham remained intact
Speaking in his pre-game press conference on Monday, Daniel Farke allayed fears over a serious hamstring injury for Joe Rodon while adding he expects James Justin to be okay having suffered a nasty ankle cut on Saturday. The only confirmed absence for this evening is Noah Okafor.
With pretty much a fully-fit squad to pick from, Farke has plenty of big selection calls to make. Below, the YEP has attempted to predict how he might line his Leeds side up going into another massive clash under the lights.
.jpeg?crop=4:3&trim=&width=800)
1. Leeds United Predicted XI vs Sunderland
Daniel Farke will hold his pre-Sunderland press conference this afternoon. | AFP via Getty Images
2. GK: Karl Darlow
Another strong performance with some excellent saves against Man City, with calm distribution too. The Welshman looks set to keep his place again, with Lucas Perri on the bench. | Getty Images
3. CB: James Justin
Has hopefully had that awful ankle gash stitched up after Man City. Should be able to get forward plenty in that right centre-back/right-back hybrid role. | Getty Images
4. CB: Joe Rodon
Farke confirmed an injury boost on Monday with Rodon's hamstring issue proving minor. The Welshman should be available this evening and retains his starting place in the central role. | AFP via Getty Images
5. CB: Pascal Struijk
Settled straight back into the side following a brief injury and was excellent against City. The Dutchman will have fond memories of scoring twice off the bench in this fixture last season. | AFP via Getty Images
6. RWB: Jayden Bogle
Will be glad to see the back of Rayan Cherki and hope to exert more attacking influence on this evening's game. Another with the memory of last season's 2-1 comeback. | Getty Images