The lineup Daniel Farke might use on Boxing Day to take on Preston.
Leeds United defeated Ipswich Town 4-0 at Elland Road on Saturday, capping an incredible victory that reduced the distance between them and the automatic promotion spots to seven points.
On Boxing Day, the Whites will travel to play Preston North End away from home. If things go their way, they might defeat the Tractor Boys by four points.
In an attempt to cope with having two games in four days, head coach Daniel Farke may make some adjustments to the starting lineup that was used on Saturday.
In light of that, the following is FFC’s anticipated lineup for Leeds’ Tuesday matchup against Ryan Lowe’s team…
Illan Meslier
In goal, Illan Meslier could keep his place after a clean sheet last time out against Ipswich. The French shot-stopper has not missed a single minute in the league this season.
Djed Spence
Archie Gray put in a tired display on Saturday as the 17-year-old ace lost four of his six ground duels and failed with two of his three attempted dribbles.
This could tempt Farke to rest the teenage sensation and that would allow Djed Spence to play in his natural position on the right of the defence.
Joe Rodon
At the heart of the defence, Joe Rodon could start after the on-loan Tottenham Hotspur central defender won 100% (3/3) of his duels at the weekend.
Pascal Struijk
Alongside the Wales international, Pascal Struijk should also keep his place. He scored the opening goal against Ipswich with a close-range header.
Junior Firpo
In order to rest Gray and play Spence in his natural position, Farke could unleash Junior Firpo from the start as a natural left-footer at left-back.
The former Barcelona man played the last 17 minutes off the bench against Ipswich in his comeback from injury and could now return to the XI.
6Ilia Gruev
Another player who could get a rest is Finland international Glen Kamara. Summer signing Ilia Gruev, who Farke hailed as “fantastic” earlier this season, won 100% (1/1) of his duels and completed 100% (16/16) of his attempted passes off the bench on Saturday.
He could be unleashed from the start for just the second time in the league this season in order to avoid Kamara suffering from fatigue or burnout.
Ethan Ampadu
Alongside Gruev, Ethan Ampadu could be trusted once again in the middle of the park after a return of three tackles and two interceptions against Ipswich.
