Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has several important selection decisions to make ahead of tomorrow evening’s Premier League game against Chelsea. The German surprised many in switching formation at half-time against Manchester City last weekend, a move which sparked a spirited second-half performance from his side - albeit one that ended in defeat.
Farke will not be able to call on Dan James tomorrow or for the next two months, following confirmation the winger has suffered a hamstring tendon injury, and is still without Sean Longstaff. Fellow midfielder Anton Stach is in contention to feature after recovering from a concussion while Sebastiaan Bornauw and Karl Darlow could both make the squad.
Whether Farke deems a formation change necessary for Chelsea remains to be seen but with some fresh injury issues and important returns, the Whites boss could be tempted to make a few changes. Below, the YEP has attempted to predict how he might line up at Elland Road.
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7. CM: Ethan Ampadu
Will be tasked with sitting in front of the back three and sweeping up any counter-attacks. Might also drift wide to cover any forays forward from the wing-backs. | Getty Images
8. CM: Anton Stach
Farke revealed on Thursday the midfielder could return from a concussion and he'd have loved the direct approach Leeds took at City. It's a style that will hopefully bring the German back to his best. | Getty Images
9. CM: Ao Tanaka
Was good again at City when Leeds went direct, having been brilliant against Villa the weekend before. Will likely be the most advanced of the midfield three. | Getty Images
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10. LWB: Gabriel Gudmundsson
Could return to the starting-XI after being replaced by James Justin at City. Attacking instincts can be harnessed in a wing-back role but keeping Chelsea stars quiet will be equally important. Needs to not concede down his side again. | Getty Images
11. ST: Noah Okafor
The Swiss international was signed as a winger but has played upfront many times in his career. Can drift in and around the leading No.9, anticipating knockdowns, or move wide to link up with Bogle or Gudmundsson. | Getty Images
12. ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Completely changed the game at City with a magnificent substitute's performance. Lukas Nmecha has been in the goals but Calvert-Lewin got his second at the Etihad and would be a great frontman for the likes of Okafor to play off. Photo: Martin Rickett