a predicted Leeds XI will take against Watford; two summer recruits will make their complete debuts, and Rodon will be replaced
Today against Watford, Leeds United will be aiming for their first home victory of the year.
All three of the Whites’ games at Elland Road this season have ended in draws, with Cardiff City, West Brom, and Sheffield Wednesday all coming away from those games with a point.
After picking up four points on the road at Millwall and Hull City, Daniel Farke’s team will be eager to turn a decent week into a terrific one.
With Wilfried Gnonto injured and Joe Rodon banned, Farke might be tempted to alter his starting lineup when the Hornets visit.
So, with that in mind, here is our predicted XI for the match today.
Goalkeeper
As expected, Illan Meslier keeps his place in goal after three consecutive clean sheets.
Defence
As mentioned, Rodon is out of this game through suspension and so one of Charlie Cresswell or Liam Cooper will come into replace him. Based on Wednesday night, the latter is likely to get the nod alongside Pascal Struijk.
After his midweek rest, Sam Byram looks set to return at left-back, with Luke Ayling keeping his place on the other side ahead of Jamie Shackleton to avoid wholesale changes to the back four.
Midfield
Ethan Ampadu continues to get better with each game that passes but could be joined by a new midfield partner for the first time since his move to Leeds.
Archie Gray looked a little jaded towards the end of the game at Hull and is therefore due a rest, allowing Glen Kamara to come in for his full debut.
Attack
Dan James and Gnonto were Farke’s chosen wingers at the MKM Stadium though it would not be a surprise to see both changed due to the former’s poor evening, and the latter’s injury
That would mean Jaidon Anthony comes in for his full Leeds debut on the left, with Crysencio Summerville, Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter making up the rest of the front four.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Ayling, Struijk, Cooper, Byram; Kamara, Ampadu; Summerville, Piroe, Anthony; Rutter
