Leeds are currently on a three-game winning streak after seeing off the challenge of Queens Park Rangers, Bristol City and Norwich City in succession, but now travel to the Potteries where a struggling Stoke side picked up a victory over Sunderland last weekend.
Several of Farke’s players were involved during this month’s international break, none more so than 17-year-old Archie Gray who played 270 of 270 available minutes for England’s Under-19s in Montenegro. Despite his involvement – and an extra recovery session at Thorp Arch in the build-up to last Saturday’s win over Norwich – Gray played the full 90 minutes at Carrow Road.
Farke has spoken extensively about the need to protect Gray from an increased risk of injury and with the availability of Jamie Shackleton and Luke Ayling in reserve at right-back, could deploy either in the position Gray has held down the last couple of weeks.
Elsewhere on the field, Leeds could make changes in midfield and attack with Willy Gnonto eager to return to the starting XI following an ankle injury.
Here is the YEP’s predicted XI to take on Alex Neil’s Stoke tomorrow night.
1. Illan Meslier - GK
Significantly fewer flashpoints this season for Meslier in between the posts, and still five clean sheets to his name Photo: George Tewkesbury
2. Jamie Shackleton - RB
Shackleton could return to the fold from the start in midweek. He's been back in team training since last Monday. Photo: George Tewkesbury
3. Joe Rodon - CB
Rodon is one who could drop out for Liam Cooper if Farke demands it, but he should have done enough to retain his place in the Potteries Photo: George Tewkesbury
4. Pascal Struijk - CB
Stand-in skipper Struijk is an ever-present this season. No reason for that to change. Photo: Danny Lawson
5. Sam Byram - LB
Byram is a candidate to drop out after a less-than-vintage display on his return to Norwich last weekend, but he will be keen to prove his fitness by playing regularly. Leo Hjelde is also carrying an Achilles injury, in addition to Junior Firpo still not being match fit, leaving Farke's options limited. Photo: Tim Markland
6. Ethan Ampadu - CM
Like Struijk, Ampadu is an ever-present under Farke in the Championship. He'll remain in the starting XI, most probably. Photo: Simon Marper