Key attacking pair Brenden Aaronson and Manor Solomon were both injury doubts for Wednesday night’s hosting of Norwich City which also presented the middle instalment of three games within the space of nine days. Boss Daniel Farke has regularly rotated during busy weeks but the German sprung a surprise against the Canaries by naming an unchanged XI as both Solomon and Aaronson recovered to start.
Leeds then recorded a comfortable enough 2-0 victory against the Canaries but Farke will have been given food for thought by some of his substitutes. Junior Firpo is now back from injury and the left back had a big impact on the game upon replacing Sam Byram as part of a double change in the 55th minute. Ilia Gruev, himself also back from injury, also replaced the already booked Ao Tanaka in centre midfield.
Then, with 16 minutes left, wingers Largie Ramazani and Willy Gnonto were given their chances to impress as they replaced starting pair Solomon and Dan James. The final change saw Josuha Guilavogui come on for Joe Rothwell with one minute left as Leeds recorded a 17th league victory of the season against the Canaries.
Five days on, Leeds now face a huge Monday night clash at key automatic promotion rivals Burnley for which Farke’s hand is somewhat forced in defence with Pascal Struijk still being out injured. But with both starters and subs excelling, Farke has some big decisions to make and this is the XI that we think will step out for the massive 8pm kick-off at Turf Moor. Whites no 9 Patrick Bamford is the only other Leeds player out injured.
7. CM: Joe Rothwell
A player who has proved a superb signing on loan from Bournemouth, so much so that even with everyone fit, it would be hard to not have him in the side. Gruev is the obvious alternative but Rothwell and Tanaka looks the call. Photo: Ben Roberts Photo
8. LW: Manor Solomon
Solomon's unfortunate slip led to Burnley scoring the only goal of the game in September's reverse fixture at Elland Road and the Israel international star admits he is keen to make up for that error. Four months, the winger is in excellent form and the stage is set for him. Photo: Alex Davidson
9. RW: Dan James
He's here, here's there, he's everywhere and he'll surely very likely start again at Burnley, even allowing for Gnonto and especially Ramazani pushing hard to start. The pace of James could prove a key factor in the outcome of Monday night's showdown but Ramazani is starting to look back in business and it's a pretty big call either way. Photo: Lewis Storey
10. ACM: Brenden Aaronson
By far and away Farke's clear first choice call at no 10 who looks pretty nailed on to start again at Burnley. Photo: Ben Roberts Photo
11. ST: Joel Piroe
Similar to Aaronson in now appearing to be clear first choice no 9 call, with young Mateo Joseph the alternative with Bamford out injured. Joseph has yet to start a league game since the turn of the year and Farke will surely want ten-goal top scorer Piroe up tops from the start although a change wouldn't be the greatest surprise. Photo: Ryan Hiscott