Boss Daniel Farke made one change to his side for Wednesday night’s 2-0 win at home to Millwall as Joe Rothwell replaced Ilia Gruev in centre-midfield. Rothwell immediately impressed, winning the ball in the middle of the park and surging ahead to start the move that led to Farke’s Whites taking a third-minute lead.
Rothwell’s centre midfield partner Ao Tanaka then later bagged the second goal of the game in the 85th minute, after which Rothwell was taken off upon suffering from a stiff knee. Brenden Aaronson, meanwhile, the subject of much debate in the no 10 role, came through another energetic full shift as United’s attacking midfielder but without being able to bag a goal or an assist.
The American has now gone seven games without getting one at a time when stars like Largie Ramazani, Willy Gnonto and Mateo Joseph are having to make do with outings from the bench as Joel Piroe, Manor Solomon and Dan James keep a firm grip of the other three attacking positions.
But Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off at QPR presents the third of three games in seven days, increasing the chances of Farke rotating his pack. Speaking at Thursday’s pre-match press conference, Farke said: “In terms of the starting line-up and who has recovered, we'll make some late decisions. This turnaround is a bit more tricky. We had more or less 80 hours to recover for Millwall, this time around just over 60 hours. It will be a bit more tricky. Travelling is involved of course. We'll take some objective data, some recovery data and pick the starting line-up very late tomorrow evening or perhaps even on the morning of the game so some really late decisions."
A win at Loftus Road would send Leeds five points clear of second-placed Sheffield United and also create a new seven-point cushion in the division’s automatic promotion places back to third-placed Burnley. It’s another huge opportunity and this is how we think Farke will line Leeds up.
7. CM: Ao Tanaka
It's two from three in midfield with Ampadu out and class act Tanaka looks the first pick. What a signing. Photo: George Wood
8. RW: Dan James
James and Solomon look to have the wide spots pretty nailed despite the presence of Gnonto and Ramazani on the bench. Assuming there are no fitness concerns amid a third game in seven days, hard to see either changing. Photo: Charlie Crowhurst
9. LW: Manor Solomon
Another fine display from the Tottenham loanee winger against Millwall in which he was a constant threat. Surely starts again if in condition to do so. Photo: Charlie Crowhurst
10. ACM: Brenden Aaronson
There's no doubt that Aaronson needs to produce more of an end product but there's also no denying his work rate, energy or Farke's loyalty and trust in him. Hard to envisage a change, despite the option to play a Ramazani, Gnonto, Piroe or even Rothwell in the position. Photo: Ben Roberts Photo
11. ST: Joel Piroe
Last weekend's defeat at Portsmouth was a game to forget for Piroe who should have had at least a brace but Wednesday night's display against Millwall was much more like it, even without a goal. The Dutchman showed some lovely touches and offered very neat link up play. Clear first choice striker and just one behind Norwich City's Borja Sainz in the Golden Boot race. Photo: George Wood