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.
13. Sub: Sebastiaan Bornauw
Has struggled to make recent squads but with three centre-backs on the pitch, Bornauw comes on to the bench as back-up. Ampadu can also drop into the back three if necessary but natural cover is important. | Nigel French/PA Wire
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14. Sub: James Justin
First-choice cover at both left-back and right-back, having already come on and looked decent on either side. Versatility in that sense should see him get decent minutes, with Sam Byram not in the squad. | Nigel French/PA Wire
15. Sub: Ilia Gruev
Undoubtedly the natural back-up to Whites captain Ampadu. Could also come off the bench for a Tanaka or Stach if Leeds are holding on to a lead at any point. Photo: Marc Atkins
16. Sub: Brenden Aaronson
Could come on in place of someone like Okafor if Leeds are holding on to a lead, further packing out the middle of the pitch, or for a Tanaka if the Whites are chasing. | Getty Images
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17. Sub: Daniel James
The Welshman is an option to come on at right-wing if Leeds move to a front-three in-game. Has the energy and pace to come on at right wing-back too, if Leeds are chasing a game. | Getty Images
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18. Sub: Willy Gnonto
Could play a similar role to Okafor as a second striker but more useful out wide, most likely if Farke moves to a front three at any point in-game. | Getty Images