Leeds United have another week or so to reflect on their impressive start to the season before a busy winter period kicks off. Daniel Farke’s side head to Chelsea on Saturday November 21 and barring any injury setbacks, could have close to a fully-fit squad at Stamford Bridge.
Competition is fierce at Leeds with Farke now having to make difficult decisions every week, the Whites boss able to call on real quality from the bench - like against Tottenham Hotspur. Introductions Melvin Bard, Harry Wilson and Nah Okafor changed the tide at Elland Road with the latter scoring the winner.
Should Leeds welcome back their internationals without injury, Farke might even have some tough calls to make regarding who is in the matchday squad at Chelsea. And with that in mind, the YEP has put together its strongest XI and bench when everyone is fit and available.
7. CM: Ethan Ampadu
Alongside Muharemovic as the two who have played every minute, and again it's hard to see that changing until Ampadu picks up his fifth booking and is suspended. Knits everything together, drives standards and has a knack of smashing into a tackle just when Elland Road needs a pick-me-up. | Eddie Keogh/Getty Images
8. CM: Ao Tanaka
Probably the second really difficult decision in the XI so far, with Tanaka picked over Anton Stach who is yet to impose himself on games this season. A broken toe hasn't helped but until he improves, the position alongside Ampadu is the Japan international's to lose. Been really aggressive and physical this season alongside his usual on-the-ball quality. | Adrian DENNIS / AFP via Getty Images
9. LWB: Gabriel Gudmundsson
Moving onto Gudmundsson at this point makes it clear we're going with a 3-4-2-1 formation, which keeps Leeds solid at the back while adding a little more final-third quality. Despite Melvin Bard's brilliant second-half showing against Tottenham. he's still behind the Swede in the pecking order.
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10. RW: Harry Wilson
If Leeds are to score enough goals to climb towards the top-half this season then it's imperative they get Wilson firing. He's been improved the last couple of games, more suited to playing on the other side of a pacy, direct winger. There's more to come from the Welshman and with Stach on the bench, his set-piece quality is important too. | Getty Images
11. LW: Noah Okafor
Okafor is that pacy, direct winger to compliment Wilson and showed last weekend he's got the moments of quality Leeds need to win tight games. Developed a nice relationship with Gudmundsson down the left last season too.
12. ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Has been arguably Leeds' most important player since arriving in summer 2025, not just for his goals but for the hold-up play that gets his side up the pitch. Should thrive in a slightly more attacking team geared towards getting balls into the box. | Annabel Lee-Ellis/PA Wire