Boss Daniel Farke was without ten injured players for Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup tie at home to Shrewsbury Town for which Liam Cooper, Crysencio Summerville, Patrick Bamford, Georginio Rutter, Mateo Joseph, Tyler Adams, Jack Harrison, Junior Firpo, Sam Greenwood and longer-term absentee Stuart Dallas were all sidelined.
Italian international teenager forward Gnonto also failed to make the matchday squad and Farke revealed in Wednesday night’s post-match press conference that the 19-year-old had been “unavailable” but was not injured. But Farke then declared the following day that Gnonto was still part of his plans as the boss also revealed that Rutter had recovered to such a degree that he could be involved at Birmingham.
Another option then became available to Farke the following day as Leeds announced the signing of Wales international centre-back Joe Rodon on a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur. Rodon has signed in time to feature in Saturday’s clash at St Andrew’s and this is the Whites XI that we think will start out against John Eustace’s Blues.
7. CM - Archie Gray
What a talent and what an impact upon his first two games for Leeds at just 17 years of age. There must be a temptation to be careful with Gray and bring him along gradually but he's that good that he already simply has to start. The teen also looked good further forward in the no 10 role against Shrewsbury which is an option but back in the double pivot next to Ampadu looks likely at St Andrew's. Photo: George Wood
8. RW: Luis Sinisterra
Sinisterra in the Championship is upon us although it was a mixed bag from the Colombian international against Cardiff until his lovely turn and shot created the opening for Crysencio Summerville to equalise. Summerville is now injured and Sinisterra is probably the first name on the team sheet from the front four. Potential to be United's next big star. Photo: Alex Caparros
9. LW: Dan James
Absolutely no denying the Wales international attacker's work rate, blistering pace and threat when everything clicks. It doesn't click enough for James and end product remains a question mark but there are signs that it may be coming and the 25-year-old looks a cert to start at Birmingham where he could cause chaos on the break. Photo: Alex Caparros
10. ACM: Ian Poveda
Starting Gray in the position is a definite shout with Jamie Shackleton then partnering Ampadu in midfield. But Poveda has continually impressed both in pre-season and both from the bench against Cardiff and upon being given a start against Shrewsbury and Saturday might just present his first league start following his Whites return. The third change from the XI that set out against Cardiff, in for the injured Summerville. Photo: Nigel French
11. CF - Joe Gelhardt
The return of record signing but still completely unknown quantity Rutter is a huge boost for Leeds but Farke has reasoned that he will probably only be ready from the bench. Willy Gnonto got the nod in the no 9 against Cardiff with Bamford and Mateo Joseph also still out but it's not hard to have doubts about him lining up at Birmingham given his absence on Wednesday night. All in all, Gelhardt, who started upfront against Shrewsbury, looks the likely call unless Farke gives James or even Sinisterra a bash. The fourth of four changes from the Cardiff team, in for Gnonto. Photo: George Wood