Leeds United fell a little closer to the Premier League relegation zone following Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest, with two weeks to reflect another disappointing away-day. Daniel Farke’s side are now just two places and one point above West Ham in 18th and return from the November international break with a home game against Aston Villa.
A number of first-teamers are away on international duty but the two-week break will allow Farke to work with the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor, while Willy Gnonto will also have another fortnight to build fitness having not played since September. And the break could give the German a chance to nail down his strongest XI ahead of Villa.
There are some key decisions to make at centre-back and in central midfield, while calls are growing for a change out wide as Leeds’ issues further forward continue. Below, the YEP has attempted to draw up the strongest starting line-up and bench that could be on show at Elland Road next weekend.
7. CM: Anton Stach
Missed City on Saturday due to concussion but with Longstaff unavailable, his physicality will be much-needed alongside Ampadu. Would have more freedom to push on but defensive cover is a must too or Leeds would risk getting overrun. | Getty Images
8. CM: Ao Tanaka
Offers balance to the running power of a Stach and has a little more guile, for when defences need to be broken down. Would have the most positional freedom of the three, dropping into full-back areas in build-up and also pushing forward when Leeds have sustained possession. | Stu Forster/Getty Images
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9. LWB: Gabriel Gudmundsson
Dropped for Manchester City but remains one of Leeds' best performers so far this season. Like Bogle on the other side, he would benefit from a little more cover in behind, allowing him to push on with more freedom. | Getty Images
10. ST: Noah Okafor
Leeds signed Okafor to make a difference in attack and in behind a natural No.9, he could flourish. Would have the freedom to drift wide and link-up with wing-backs where necessary and the new role removes some of the defensive demand he has recently struggled with. | AFP via Getty Images
11. ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Showed off the bench at City exactly why he should be Leeds' main man upfront, and why a direct style of play is the most likely route to survival. Such a nuisance for opposition defenders and should be well-supported by Okafor, Bogle, Gudmundsson and Tanaka when bringing down long balls. Photo: Marc Atkins
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12. Sub: Karl Darlow
Proved a perfectly capable cover option during the weeks Perri was out injured. Might feel he deserves a proper shot at being first-choice. | Getty Images