The Whites boss insisted he was encouraged by the team’s performance in last week’s 1-0 defeat by Burnley at Elland Road and is therefore unlikely to deviate from the XI which began that match, unless injuries cause him to.
Farke admitted there had been issues to contend with at Thorp Arch this week as Joe Rodon (hip/glute), Junior Firpo (knee), Manor Solomon (back) and Joe Rothwell (ankle) all dealt with knocks. That said, the Leeds boss expected all could potentially play some part at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Daniel James remains absent until after October’s international break while Patrick Bamford’s fitness remains to be closely monitored and is highly unlikely to be involved from the start after not making the bench last weekend.
Here is how the YEP sees Leeds lining up on Saturday afternoon.
7. CM: Ilia Gruev
Farke will most probably resist the temptation to start new man Ao Tanaka in lieu of Gruev, even though supporters on social media have asked for the Japan international to start in order to give Leeds a more attacking profile in the middle of the park. | Freelance Photo: freelance
8. LW: Willy Gnonto
The Italian came close to finding his second goal of the season against Scott Parker’s Clarets but was denied by goalkeeper James Trafford. He will be keen to get back to goalscoring ways against Cardiff’s cannon fodder. | Getty Images
9. AM: Brenden Aaronson
Aaronson has looked sharp in the No. 10 role since usurping Joel Piroe in that position. The American is effective in tight spaces at Championship level which could be particularly useful if Cardiff set up in a deep block with the intention of frustrating Leeds. | Jonathan Gawthorpe
10. RW: Largie Ramazani
Farke admitted Israeli winger Manor Solomon was the biggest doubt for him ahead of the weekend which opens the door for fellow new signing Ramazani to make his full debut. Photo: Cameron Smith
11. ST: Mateo Joseph
Still kicking himself from the miss inside 48 seconds against Burnley, Joseph will be keen to set the record straight by getting on the scoresheet at Cardiff. | Getty Images