Leeds United's strongest XI and bench when everyone is fit - Midfield debate as senior trio axed

By Kyle Newbould

Central Football Reporter

Published 3rd Nov 2025, 18:59 GMT

How Leeds United's starting XI and bench could look when Daniel Farke has everyone available.

Leeds United dropped a little closer to relegation trouble over the weekend after losing 3-0 at Brighton and Hove Albion. The Whites are very much where fans expected them to be after 10 games, with 11 points leaving them in 16th, four points ahead of West Ham in 18th.

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Daniel Farke’s side face fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest this weekend and so long as Willy Gnonto doesn’t suffer a setback and no fresh injury issues are picked up, the German could have a fully fit squad to pick from. That leaves a few key selection dilemmas for the Leeds boss, whose strongest XI isn’t fully clear yet.

Farke is already having to leave some senior players out of his matchday squad and Gnonto’s possible return means another will have to be cut. Below, the YEP has attempted to draw up Leeds’ strongest XI and bench when everyone is fit, with some tough decisions needing to be made.

There have been issues in recent weeks but Leeds need continuity between the posts, so Perri keeps his place.

1. GK: Lucas Perri

There have been issues in recent weeks but Leeds need continuity between the posts, so Perri keeps his place. | Getty Images

An ever-present at centre-back so far and probably Leeds' best defender this season. Set-piece threat has been important too.

2. CB: Joe Rodon

An ever-present at centre-back so far and probably Leeds' best defender this season. Set-piece threat has been important too. | Getty Images

Seems most naturally suited to the central role in a back three, heading away crosses and making big blocks, and that's where he sits in this team. The formation switch improved Leeds massively at Man City.

3. CB: Jaka Bijol

Seems most naturally suited to the central role in a back three, heading away crosses and making big blocks, and that's where he sits in this team. The formation switch improved Leeds massively at Man City. | Getty Images

Managed Erling Haaland well on Saturday and looked back to a good level since returning to the starting line-up. Can be the focus of Leeds' build-up from deep, with a back three getting the best out of each centre-back.

4. CB: Pascal Struijk

Managed Erling Haaland well on Saturday and looked back to a good level since returning to the starting line-up. Can be the focus of Leeds' build-up from deep, with a back three getting the best out of each centre-back. | Getty Images

Another strong individual performance at City, showing he is more than capable of keeping top-level wingers from running riot. Attacking link-up play has been excellent too and a wing-back role allows more forward freedom.

5. RWB: Jayden Bogle

Another strong individual performance at City, showing he is more than capable of keeping top-level wingers from running riot. Attacking link-up play has been excellent too and a wing-back role allows more forward freedom. | Getty Images

Will be tasked with sitting in front of the back three and mopping up as much as possible. Has a huge influence on others as club captain and still a massively important player for Farke.

6. CM: Ethan Ampadu

Will be tasked with sitting in front of the back three and mopping up as much as possible. Has a huge influence on others as club captain and still a massively important player for Farke. | Getty Images

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