Daniel Farke’s Leeds United side could really do with a win against Aston Villa - and this is how we think the Whites will line up.
Farke’s men pulled six points clear of the Premier League dropzone through the 2-1 victory at home to West Ham United at the end of last month but a six-point cushion has since been slashed.
Disappointing defeats at Brighton and Nottingham Forest have left Leeds fifth-bottom, just one point above the dropzone and also one point ahead of fourth-bottom Burnley.
Farke made two changes to his team for the 3-1 defeat at Forest in the last game before the Novembefr international break as Lukas Nmecha and Anton Stach both came into the side.
Stach replaced Ao Tanaka who dropped to the bench whilst Nmecha led the line upfront as Calvert-Lewin also dropped to the bench amid fitness doubts over his adductor strain.
Farke also kept summer centre-back signing Jaka Bijol alongside Joe Rodon at the heart of the defence as Pascal Struijk sat on the bench for the third game in a row.
Calvert-Lewin, Struijk and also Dan James, Joel Piroe and Jack Harrison were eventually all brought on in the second half as Leeds chased the game but ultimately en route to suffering a 3-1 defeat.
James in particular has since impressed on international duty with Wales ahead of Sunday’s return to action at home to Villa in a 2pm kick-off at Elland Road.
Farke has some big decisions to make and this is the XI that we think he will send out against Unai Emery’s sixth-placed side.
1. GK: Lucas Perri
Clear first choice keeper who has started the last three games since returning from injury. | AFP via Getty Images
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2. RB: Jayden Bogle
Struggled at Forest but he was hardly alone on that front and clear first choice right back although James Justin has frequently been praised by Farke and provides a live alternative. | Getty Images
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3. CB: Joe Rodon
Leeds have now gone seven games without keeping a clean sheet which is clearly a concern but Rodon is clearly the standout defender and also a big threat at the other end of the pitch. Just a case of who partners him. | Getty Images
4. CB: Pascal Struijk
A big decision for Farke to make, literally, with giant summer centre-back signing Jaka Bijol having started United's last three games for which Struijk has been on the bench. It might be that Bijol keeps his place as the Slovenian and Rodon formed the centre-back axis that helped beat West Ham but Leeds have conceded six goals in their last two games and Farke might well feel that it's a good decision to bring Struijk back into the fold, especially with Bijol having been away on international duty. The first change. | Getty Images
5. LB: Gabriel Gudmundsson
Another who has been away on international duty and in action for Sweden but clear first choice left back who appeals as one of the more obvious nailed starters. | Getty Images
6. CM: Ethan Ampadu
United's captain who has also been away on international duty with Wales but the skipper will be fresher than others returning from playing for their countries having been suspended for Tuesday night's clash World Cup qualifier against North Macedonia. | Getty Images