Leeds United return from the October international break with a massive game as Sheffield United travel to Elland Road on Friday evening. Daniel Farke’s side remain within touching distance of the automatic promotion places and can climb into them with victory over their Yorkshire rivals.
Injury issues at Leeds have been well-documented but Farke can still boast one of the Championship’s strongest squads, albeit the German will have everything crossed his international stars return unscathed. He will also hope to welcome back one or two sidelined players, leaving him with a selection headache in some areas.
The physical state of those returning from international duty will play a big part in selecting Friday’s team but all being well, the YEP has put together Farke’s strongest line-up as things stand - and tried to explain why they should start next week.
7. CM: Joe Rothwell
No international commitments for the on-loan Bournemouth man and so will have fresh legs for Sheffield United. Looked good alongside new midfield partner Tanaka at Sunderland and can offer that added quality going forward. | Getty Images
8. RW: Wilfried Gnonto
Away with Italy U21s but has just the one game to manage, against the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday evening. A relatively late returnee but will be fresh enough to start. Could stake a claim to be Leeds' best player so far this season and was unplayable at times against Sunderland. | Getty Images
9. CAM: Brenden Aaronson
Will almost certainly be the latest back, with the USA facing Mexico in Guadalajara at 3.30am UK time on Wednesday morning. Got 78 minutes against Panama this weekend and so with both games being friendlies, there is hope head coach Mauricio Pochettino will rotate and Aronson can at least return fresh. Would be a big ask to start on Friday if not. | Getty Images
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10. LW: Largie Ramazani
No international football for Leeds' £10m summer signing, who will welcome the rest after probably playing more minutes than Farke would have liked going into the break. Looking sharp with two goals and an assist in his last four games, enough to keep possible returnees Manor Solomon and Dan James on the bench for now. | Getty Images
11. ST: Mateo Joseph
A hat-trick for Spain U21s on Thursday was evidence that goals will come for Joseph, albeit Farke needs them to come in a white shirt. Spain guaranteed to top their Euro U21 qualifying group and so there is a slim chance of some rotation against Malta on Tuesday. Should start against Sheffield United regardless. | Getty Images