Coventry City club crest on the side of the Ricoh Arena
This weekend, Leeds United travels to Coventry City, and following Tuesday’s defeat at Sunderland, Daniel Farke has a lot to consider when selecting his starting lineup.
Leeds had the opportunity to maintain their momentum against Sunderland in the middle of the week after defeating Blackburn Rovers the previous weekend.
But Leeds dropped to 10 points behind Ipswich Town in the battle for the top two after Jobe Bellingham’s victory.
Early Leeds United team news: Pre-Coventry
We’re yet to hear from Daniel Farke before Saturday’s meeting with the Sky Blues, but he is unlikely to have too many injuries in his squad, despite some concerns.
Patrick Bamford returned from illness away to Sunderland, while Luke Ayling was with the travelling squad too:
| Injury list | ||
| Sam Byram | Hamstring | 2 weeks |
| Junior Firpo | Hamstring | Christmas |
| Jamie Shackleton | Glute | Soon to return |
| Stuart Dallas | Femur | Unknown (fitness) |
Here, we look at the team we think Farke will field against Mark Robins’ Coventry on Saturday…
Leeds United Predicted XI
A 4-2-3-1 is expected and there could be scope for Farke to make changes to this side after a lethargic performance at the Stadium of Light.
However, in terms of what is expected, the break between Tuesday and Saturday might be enough for little to change in the side.
In goal will be Illan Meslier, whose stunning save counted for nothing last time out as he was slow to react to Bellingham’s winner, while his centre-back pairing will stay the same with Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk starting.
The change in defence comes with a switch of sides for Archie Gray and Djed Spence, who would benefit far greater from their swap of roles, as Gray is better off inverting on the left while Spence’s ball-carrying is a far greater asset on the right.
Leeds v Coventry predictions?
Changes tempting for Farke higher up, but hard to call
In the double pivot, Glen Kamara and Ethan Ampadu had their worst game in a Leeds shirt at Sunderland, looking sloppy in transition and uncharacteristically lacking in the energy that has made them such a formidable duo lately.
Seeing Ilia Gruev wouldn’t be a total shock, but it’s not likely given Farke seems to not be bothering with him.
In attack, it’s hard to make many changes given the recent form of Crysencio Summerville and Dan James on the wings, with Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter through the middle.
There could be justification given to Willy Gnonto getting a rare start, but his only chance would be replacing Piroe in the number 10 slot.
