Leeds United return to Premier League action this weekend when they face Brighton and Hove Albion on the south coast. Daniel Farke’s side are unbeaten from three games across all competitions so far but return to the scene of one of last season’s most concerning performances.
The Whites won’t be that passive again but any improvement in performance will be enjoyed without Joe Rodon, with Farke confirming his Welsh warrior will be out for eight to 10 weeks with a hamstring injury. It’s a huge blow for Leeds but the return of Gabriel Gudmundsson from his own muscle injury is a big and well-timed boost.
Farke also confirmed deadline day signings Melvin Bard and Jean-Matteo Bahoya are both eligible to be in the squad. And with all that in mind, the YEP has attempted to predict how the Leeds boss could line up at Brighton.
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1. Predicted Leeds United XI
Let's take a look at how Leeds could line up on Saturday. | Getty Images
2. GK: James Trafford
The club-record £40m signing has been a real presence between the posts already. Kicking has been a little mixed, but understandable given the new surroundings.
3. CB: James Justin
A couple of options to replace the injured Joe Rodon, but Justin proved so dependable last season. As a natural right-back, he also suits the hybrid role Farke had deployed in recent weeks. | Getty Images
4. CB: Jaka Bijol
Struggled against Brentford last weekend and was hooked at half-time with Farke changing formation. But everyone was off it in that first-half so dropping the Slovenian would feel a bit knee-jerk. It must be remembered he was outstanding at Nottingham Forest. | Getty Images
5. CB: Tarik Muharemovic
It feels like Muharemovic will be virtually ever-present all season, so long as he's fit. Was probably the best defender against Brentford, although passing out from the back will be tested against a good pressing side. | Getty Images
6. RWB: Jayden Bogle
Given a really difficult time of it by Schade last weekend and could easily have conceded a penalty. Likely to be up against the in-form Maxim De Cuyper on Saturday. | Annabel Lee-Ellis/PA Wire