Later tonight in the Championship, Leeds United will host Stoke City at Elland Road in an attempt to win their first game in three.
The Whites enter this match fresh off an away 1-1 draw in the second division against Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town.
Due to their victory over Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, Ipswich Town was able to pass them and secure their spot in the automatic promotion spots.
Prior to the FA Cup fifth round encounter with the Terriers, Daniel Farke’s team had also lost to Chelsea 3-2, meaning their most recent victory came against Leicester City last month.
The head coach of Germany may now try to change his starting lineup from the draw the previous weekend. In light of that, the following is FFC’s projected Leeds lineup for the Potters match.
Illan Meslier
Continue between the sticks, Illan Meslier. With 33 league starts under his belt, the French custodian has been Farke’s first option, and there is currently no indication that he will change things up in goal.
Connor Roberts
The first alteration to the starting lineup might be made at right-back, where Connor Roberts would get a reward for his outstanding cameo against Huddersfield.
The Wales international, who was signed on loan from Burnley on deadline day, came off the bench to help Patrick Bamford equalise, sending a curling cross across the floor for the striker to convert.
Roberts may now make his full league debut for the Whites after making five appearances as a substitute in the Championship, where he has already provided one goal and one assist.
Joe Rodon
Joe Rodon should start in centre defence for the Whites once more. Throughout the campaign thus far, the Tottenham Hotspur defender who is on loan has proven to be a dependable player at the back.
In 33 Championship games, he has won 66% of his bouts, and his defence has allowed the team to retain 13 clean sheets overall.
Ethan Ampadu
Ethan Ampadu, a fellow Wales international, may start beside him in central midfield, where he plays naturally. This would complete the center-back combination.
Given Pascal Struijk’s ongoing medical absence, the former Chelsea prospect might be chosen above Liam Cooper’s experience.
Sam Byram
It’s possible that the second XI modification will be enforced. Due to a calf injury, Farke stated in his pregame press conference that Junior Firpo is doubtful to play against Stoke.
Sam Byram, who started the match on the bench against Huddersfield, may be able to get back into the starting lineup if the former Barcelona defender is injured.
The English full-back, who joined on a free transfer from Norwich City last summer, has made 25 league appearances this season, winning 51% of his duels and averaging 2.7 tackles and interceptions per contest.
Archie Gray
In order to accommodate Roberts’ presence at right-back, Archie Grey might stay in the starting lineup but move into the middle of the park, potentially forcing Glen Kamara to the bench.
The Finland international had a lacklustre performance against the Terriers, winning only two duels and creating just one opportunity for his teammates. Grey might be given an opportunity to flourish in his natural position.
He recently played in midfield against Chelsea in the FA Cup, where he won six duels, completed four dribbles, and created one opportunity. For his efforts, he was named the official Player of the Match.
Because of his ability to dribble, the academy graduate may be more aggressive in that role and provide more drive than Kamara; as a result, the former Rangers star may be benched for this match.
Ilia Gruev
Ilia Gruev, who made a permanent move from Werder Bremen last summer, may play beside the 17-year-old wizard for his 12th start of the Championship season.
Due to Ampadu’s ongoing usage at centre back, the Bulgarian international has had more opportunities to establish himself as a consistent midfield starter.
Dan James
Wales international Dan James could finally be allowed to take control of the assault alongside Wilfried Gnonto in the third alteration to the starting lineup.
A hip issue forced the Italian wizard to fill in for him on his final league start for Leeds against Norwich City in January.
The above table shows that the former Manchester United wizard, who former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said possesses the “X-factor,” is capable of scoring goals and setting up others to score.
After a run of five goals and one assist in his previous five games, Gnonto has blanked in his last three games and has not assisted. Farke may bench him in favour of James for this matchup with Stoke.
Georginio Rutter
Georginio Rutter, ranked ten, may be able to hold onto his spot in the starting lineup if he can figure out how to get past Stoke’s defence.
In 34 appearances in the Championship this season, the French wizard has produced 20 “big chances” and 11 assists for his teammates.
Crysencio Summerville
Crysencio Summerville, on the left side of the attack, may try to snap a four-match streak in which he has failed to record a goal or an assist across all competitions.
With 30 league starts under his belt, he has built up 15 goals and 8 assists for Leeds, and his boss might want him to return to form tonight—especially if Jaidon Anthony is ruled out of the game for personal reasons.
Patrick Bamford
Patrick Bamford, who secured a point for his team against Huddersfield on Saturday with a close-range equaliser, could finally lead the line once more.
The 30-year-old forward has made 24 appearances overall in the league and has six goals in seven starts. However, Mateo Joseph is hot on his tail following his FA Cup brace at Stamford Bridge.
This implies that Bamford may have to continue his scoring streak to hold onto his starting spot in the starting lineup against the likes of Joel Piroe, a former Swansea City player, and 20-year-old prodigy.
