The Whites aim to pull clear of the relegation dogfight during the second half of this season, beginning with a positive result at the City Ground this Sunday when Jesse Marsch’s men take on Nottingham Forest. Premier League actions resumes following Leeds’ FA Cup Fourth Round triumph last weekend, which striker Patrick Bamford dubbed a ‘welcome distraction’ following his double-assist display at Accrington Stanley.
Leeds’ club-record signing Georginio Rutter made his Whites debut at the Wham Stadium, while fellow new addition Max Wober also featured, having joined from FC Red Bull Salzburg at the beginning of the window. Weston McKennie made it three senior arrivals on the penultimate day of the January transfer period, adding much-needed depth to the midfield after Mateusz Klich’s departure.
Should Leeds exercise the USMNT man’s purchase option as they are expected, he will surpass £28 million Georginio Rutter in becoming the club’s record buy, at the £30 million mark.
Here is the YEP’s strongest Leeds United starting XI and substitutes bench when all players are fit and available.
Should Leeds exercise the USMNT man’s purchase option as they are expected, he will surpass £28 million Georginio Rutter in becoming the club’s record buy, at the £30 million mark.
![At the base of midfield, Tyler Adams has become an essential part of this Leeds group with his terrier-like tenacity and desire to regain possession (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmJiODI0ODU1LTUxMGUtNDYxNi04NjYyLTViYjczZWMwOTljMDo1ZjI5MTllMC0zZjEzLTQzM2UtOWNkOC00YmQ2ODk0NDIzMjg=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
7. CM: Tyler Adams
At the base of midfield, Tyler Adams has become an essential part of this Leeds group with his terrier-like tenacity and desire to regain possession (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) Photo: Stu Forster
![One of the Premier League's most progressive midfield players, Roca always looks to play forward and despite coming in for criticism at times, has largely flown under the radar in terms of the influence he has on games. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjg5YzM1ZTBjLTNkNmUtNDM3Yy1hNzBkLTkxNjlkNjgwOTVkMTo1OTVlYjRkOS03NGZjLTRhMTUtYmU5YS0zYmRjNDMyZjg4ODQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
8. CM: Marc Roca
One of the Premier League's most progressive midfield players, Roca always looks to play forward and despite coming in for criticism at times, has largely flown under the radar in terms of the influence he has on games. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) Photo: Gareth Copley
![A self-proclaimed box-to-box presence, McKennie will add energy and dynamism to Leeds' midfield. (Pic: Leeds United)](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjBmOGI2MGY2LWMyMmItNGEwYy1hODBjLTEyMDEwMTk1ZWQzMDo4YTkwM2RmZS0wNzBhLTRmOGItOTc2MS02OTkyZTVlMDRmODA=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
9. CM: Weston McKennie
A self-proclaimed box-to-box presence, McKennie will add energy and dynamism to Leeds' midfield. (Pic: Leeds United) Photo: Leeds United
![At the tender age of 19, Gnonto is already one of the first names on Jesse Marsch's teamsheet. He has thrilled Elland Road with the spectacular and the sublime; from mazy dribbles to scissor-kick finishes (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmQxOGQzYmNkLTIxM2MtNDQxYi05MjZmLTBkNWIzMjhiZDM0NDpmZDVlNmI2Ny00OTFhLTRmNjYtOGM1Ni1lNTZkOTg5YzhhZTU=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
10. LW: Willy Gnonto
At the tender age of 19, Gnonto is already one of the first names on Jesse Marsch's teamsheet. He has thrilled Elland Road with the spectacular and the sublime; from mazy dribbles to scissor-kick finishes (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) Photo: Gareth Copley
![Capable of playing on the right flank or through the middle, Rutter looked sharp and alert against Accrington Stanley on his debut. There's a feeling the best is yet to come with him (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjQ2ZDA5YzM0LTRiMmUtNGZhNy1iOTM1LTZjNTUxMjMyNDJiYzphNTI1ZWU1OS1jMWEzLTQ4NjgtOWM4YS05ZTI1MjY2ZGQxN2U=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
11. RW: Georginio Rutter
Capable of playing on the right flank or through the middle, Rutter looked sharp and alert against Accrington Stanley on his debut. There's a feeling the best is yet to come with him (Picture: Bruce Rollinson) Photo: Bruce Rollinson
![12 goals in 21 appearances this season - his best return in white. Need we say anymore? (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmFlMjNlODZkLTcxYjctNDMyYi05YWQzLTc2MDk5YmFkOGY1NToyMzA4NWY1Ni1hZDMwLTQxM2UtODc3Mi01NzVlZDE1MTA0MmM=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
12. CF: Rodrigo Moreno
12 goals in 21 appearances this season - his best return in white. Need we say anymore? (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) Photo: Michael Regan