Leeds United hopes to defeat Rotherham United this Friday at the New York Stadium in order to win four straight games and put pressure on the top two ahead of their games this weekend.
After the international break, Daniel Farke’s team returns to action, though not at the optimal speed as some players and their countries had midweek fixtures.
Leeds will play managerless Rotherham United on Friday, their rivals from Yorkshire, with the chance to win four straight and seven of the previous eight games.
After the break, Daniel Farke will have some difficult decisions to make regarding his starting lineup because some players are back in the mix while the attack suffers a major setback.
Here is our prediction for Farke’s starting lineup for our game against the Millers.
Farke made hints about players who might return this week, saying that Jamie Shackleton, Sam Byram, Pascal Struijk, and Djed Spence could all be able to provide additional depth to the back four.
The defence that defeated Plymouth is expected to remain mostly unchanged, with Illan Meslier starting in goal, Archie Grey starting at right back, and Joe Rodon and Liam Cooper playing together at centre back. Junior Firpo will probably start at left defence instead of Byram, who is taking a risk so soon after suffering a setback.
Like the other Welsh internationals, Ethan Ampadu will need to recover quickly from his Tuesday performance in order to start in defensive midfield. Glen Kamara, who has excelled in midfield over the last two months, will undoubtedly be his partner.
The trio of attackers “behind” the striker should not change. Dan James is playing well, and Crysencio Summerville added another trophy to his collection by winning the PFA Fans’ Player of the Month. Joel Piroe, who plays as a deeper-lying forward and looked much more capable in Leeds’ press against Plymouth and Leicester, also keeps his spot.
Rotherham v Leeds predictions?
This is where the selection dilemma begins, as Farke stated that Patrick Bamford has the qualities to make his first start of the season and that Georginio Rutter is a serious doubt for the game. Farke made this confirmation via the YEP.
“Yes, generally speaking, it’s an opportunity for others to shine when a player is unavailable. Georgi’s status will be determined after the fact. I don’t talk much about the starting lineup because I have faith in all of my players, and I value Patrick’s experience.
“Shown already how important he can be on this level; it’s good to have him back in the training for a few weeks.” He was in excellent shape, so I wouldn’t have any trouble starting him.
While being characteristically evasive, Farke did hint that he would be happy to start Bamford in attack, providing him with a more natural focal point than Willy Gnonto, who would be well worth a shout after scoring four goals in two games for Italy’s U21s.
