Leeds United predicted lineup vs Watford as triple change made and defender's recall from the cold considered

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke is expected to be forced into making changes to his starting line-up for the Whites' visit to Watford and Vicarage Road this weekend.

By Joe Donnohue

Published 28th Mar 2024, 07:00 BST

Updated 28th Mar 2024, 08:13 BST

At his press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Farke reeled off a list of players doubtful for Friday's trip to Watford including international trio Willy Gnonto, Ilia Gruev and Connor Roberts. All three picked up injuries whilst representing their countries over March's break from club football, which could limit Farke's options against the Hornets.

Leeds remain without the likes of Stuart Dallas and Pascal Struijk - the latter now ruled out for the season after undergoing groin surgery. Meanwhile, Georginio Rutter is a only possibility to be involved following his own minor surgical procedure on a sports hernia.

Junior Firpo's circuitous route back from South America, where he won the second of his first two caps for the Dominican Republic in Peru, could force Farke into recalling Jamie Shackleton from the cold, although there is every chance the German sticks with his preferred left-back in 2024, despite the jet-lag Firpo may well be suffering from.

Here is Leeds' predicted line-up to face Watford.

Leeds' shot-stopper is seemingly always injury-free and has earned his No. 1 jersey in recent months with a string of clean sheets.

1. GK - Illan Meslier

Leeds' shot-stopper is seemingly always injury-free and has earned his No. 1 jersey in recent months with a string of clean sheets.

Byram could get the nod at right-back if Connor Roberts is deemed unavailable and Archie Gray required to start in midfield.

2. RB - Sam Byram

Byram could get the nod at right-back if Connor Roberts is deemed unavailable and Archie Gray required to start in midfield.

Missing out on the European Championships with Wales will sting, but Leeds' on-loan centre-back must put that behind him as he's expected to start on Good Friday.

3. CB - Joe Rodon

Missing out on the European Championships with Wales will sting, but Leeds' on-loan centre-back must put that behind him as he's expected to start on Good Friday.

After a brief sojourn in midfield during the international break, Ampadu will reprise his role at centre-half on Friday, all being well.

4. CB - Ethan Ampadu

After a brief sojourn in midfield during the international break, Ampadu will reprise his role at centre-half on Friday, all being well.

A surprise pick given Firpo only returns to the UK from international duty with the Dominican Republic this morning, but Farke has few options at full-back and the ex-Barcelona man is in a good rhythm with five assists since the turn of the year.

5. LB - Junior Firpo

A surprise pick given Firpo only returns to the UK from international duty with the Dominican Republic this morning, but Farke has few options at full-back and the ex-Barcelona man is in a good rhythm with five assists since the turn of the year.

Leeds' absentees at full-back and in central midfield means it's likely Archie Gray returns to the middle of the park at Vicarage Road.

6. CM - Archie Gray

Leeds' absentees at full-back and in central midfield means it's likely Archie Gray returns to the middle of the park at Vicarage Road.

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