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Leeds United have just four weeks to prepare for their return to competitive action, with the opening game of the Championship season at home to Portsmouth on Saturday, August 10. Daniel Farke’s side will be keen to bounce back from May’s play-off final defeat to Southampton and know a fast start could prove crucial to their promotion hopes.
Transfer activity has intensified in recent weeks with Joe Rothwell the latest arrival, joining on a season-long loan after the permanent signings of Joe Rodon and Alex Cairns. More ins and outs are expected between now and the August 30 deadline but the four weeks until the visit of Portsmouth will fly by and the matchday squad might not differ much from the one that Farke could pick now.
Below, the YEP has drawn up a potential starting line-up and bench for that season opener with the current squad, and there may be some tough decisions to make. As ever, things are subject to change quickly as the summer window rumbles on.
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13. Sub: Max Wober
Decent chance Wober is not a Leeds player come August 10 but as things stand, he is and the lack of defensive cover could see Farke name him on the bench if nothing changes. Expected at Thorp Arch for talks in the coming weeks. | Getty Images
14. Sub: Rasmus Kristensen
In the same position as Wober and currently a Leeds player. Would be the only option as senior full-back cover if no new arrivals between now and August 10. Expected back for talks soon. | Getty Images
15. Sub: Ilia Gruev
Proved more than capable of starting regularly last season but expected to fall behind Ethan Ampadu in the midfield pecking order again. Farke might opt to start both when needing to keep things tight but at home to a newly-promoted side is not that type of game. | Getty Images
16. Sub: Joe Rothwell
A solid option off the bench, particularly if Leeds are in need of goals and the front-line is mis-firing. Farke expected to stick with Kamara initially. | Getty Images
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17. Sub: Dan James
Will make the right wing his own if Gnonto ends up leaving but currently competing with the Italian. It's a tight choice but with Portsmouth likely to sit back, Gnonto's skill in tight spaces might be preferred as things stand. | Getty Images
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18. Sub: Joel Piroe
Needs to find a defined role at Leeds over the next 12 months but hit double figures last season and will likely do so again. On the bench for Pompey if current players stay and Bamford is fit. | Getty Images