On Saturday afternoon, Leeds United will play their first Championship match at Elland Road against Ipswich Town.
In the race for automatic promotion to the Premier League, the Tractor Boys are now 10 points ahead of the Whites in second place.
Daniel Farke’s team can close the difference to just ten points with a victory, but Leeds will have a mountain to climb in the second half of the season if the opposition scores three points to go up 13 points ahead.
Last time out, Coventry held the Whites to a 1-1 draw at Elland Road, so the German tactician might try to make some alterations to his starting lineup.
In light of this, the following is FFC’s projected Leeds lineup for this weekend’s matchup against Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich in Yorkshire.
Illan Meslier
French behemoth Illan Meslier ought to continue to start between the sticks at the top, ahead of Karl Darlow. Thus far this season, he has started every single Championship game, and nothing suggests that this weekend will be any different.
Djed Spence
For the first time this season, Djed Spence could start at right-back, which would allow the Whites to make a move on the other flank.
Instead of being switched to his weaker foot against the Tractor Boys, the athletic full-back on loan from Tottenham Hotspur might launch an attack down the right on his preferred foot.
Joe Rodon
Joe Rodon, a Wales international, might be the main defender in charge of preventing players like Omari Hutchinson, Wes Burns, and George Hirst from getting past him.
In the last minute against Coventry, the Spurs loanee produced three tackles, one interception, one block, and one clearance while winning eight of his nine duels.
Pascal Struijk
Pascal Struijk might take the armband once more to lead the Whites into combat with Rodon. Against Coventry last Saturday, the Dutch central defender made two tackles and three interceptions.
Junior Firpo
Junior Firpo, who has resumed training and is probably going to be in the running to start on Saturday, could be the first player to change into the starting lineup.
Due to injuries, Jamie Shackleton, Sam Byram, and Stuart Dallas—all capable of playing on the left side of the defense—are not eligible for selection.
Since Firpo is a left-footed player by nature, he would provide Spence with greater balance when in possession along that flank as opposed to forcing him to move inside to his right.
The former Barcelona full-back won eight of his sixteen duels and created one chance in his seventy minutes on the field before making his final appearance of the season, a 1-1 draw away at Rotherham.
Glen Kamara
Glen Kamara might line up in the middle of the park once more at midfield. With a 92% pass completion percentage, the summer acquisition from the Rangers has been the Whites’ metronome.
In addition, he has added some bite with 2.6 tackles and interceptions per game and a 66% duel success rate, demonstrating the Finland international’s ability to outmuscle opponents in physical confrontations.
Ethan Ampadu
Ethan Ampadu, a Wales international, may continue to play in front of Leeds’ back four as their enforcer in the middle with Kamara.
In his 22 Championship starts since joining from Chelsea, he has totaled 3.6 tackles, interceptions, and 7.6 ball recoveries per game.
Despite the amount of labor the center midfielder has endured this season, Farke stated prior to the game that he is ready to start again.
Jaidon Anthony
The second change to the starting lineup might be Jaidon Anthony starting over Daniel James on the right side of the attack.
In order to handle the hectic holiday schedule, Farke has confirmed that there will be rotation, which may allow the Bournemouth loanee to enter the game.
Anthony may get a rare opportunity to make an impression despite having only started two league games this season and scoring just one goal. In his last two games, both of which he started, James recorded zero goals, zero assists, and one crucial pass. As a result, he may get a rest for this encounter.
Mateo Joseph
Joel Piroe might be beaten early on by Mateo Joseph, the academy sensation, who could surprise everyone in the number 10 position.
Given the opposition, this would appear risky on paper, but the head coach has taken audacious choices with young players in the past.
For instance, in their 2018 East Anglian derby match at Portman Road between Norwich and Ipswich, he gave Max Aarons his league debut at the age of 18. The England U21 international went on to become an important member of the Canaries, of course, and Joseph may emulate him on Saturday by turning in a game-changing performance.
Joseph, who has 19 goals in 33 U21 games for Leeds, is a “threat” at the top of the pitch, according to a statement made by his previous manager Michael Skubala.
Piroe might be benched in favor of the gifted young ace because he hasn’t scored or assisted in his last three league games.
Crysencio Summerville
Crysencio Summerville, a Dutch winger who has been a notable performer for the Whites out wide this season, should continue to hold his position on the left flank.
In his 19 league games, the gifted young jewel has generated ten goals, six assists, and ten “big chances,” demonstrating that he has the ability to win games for the Whites.
Georgino Rutter
Lastly, Georgino Rutter ought to start in the front once more because of his inventiveness, which will pose a serious threat to the Ipswich defense.
In 20 Championship games so far this season, the former Hoffenheim sensation has produced an incredible 17 “big chances” and helped nine goals. Based on these statistics, it appears that the French wizard can break through the defense to provide his teammates with good scoring possibilities.
