Leeds United dropped a little closer to relegation trouble over the weekend after losing 3-0 at Brighton and Hove Albion. The Whites are very much where fans expected them to be after 10 games, with 11 points leaving them in 16th, four points ahead of West Ham in 18th.
Daniel Farke’s side face fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest this weekend and so long as Willy Gnonto doesn’t suffer a setback and no fresh injury issues are picked up, the German could have a fully fit squad to pick from. That leaves a few key selection dilemmas for the Leeds boss, whose strongest XI isn’t fully clear yet.
Farke is already having to leave some senior players out of his matchday squad and Gnonto’s possible return means another will have to be cut. Below, the YEP has attempted to draw up Leeds’ strongest XI and bench when everyone is fit, with some tough decisions needing to be made.
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