Leeds United will hope to have their fate confirmed in just over three week’s time with five games left to secure automatic promotion. Daniel Farke’s side went top of the Championship with a midweek 1-0 win at Middlesbrough and welcome Preston to Elland Road this weekend knowing victory will keep them there for another week.
Tuesday’s win at Middlesbrough did not come without sacrifice, however, and it appears Dan James picked up a hamstring injury that will keep him out. Pascal Struijk and Joe Rothwell also remain unavailable but Leeds have been boosted by the encouraging return of Patrick Bamford, while Karl Darlow has been a steady presence in goal.
Farke still has plenty of talent to call on despite a growing injury list and his selection decisions could bridge the gap between success and failure. And with that in mind, the YEP has attempted to put together the current strongest Leeds-XI it believes can bring Premier League football back to Elland Road.
7. CM: Ao Tanaka
Has certainly looked a little off the pace in recent weeks - Farke has admitted as much - but a cut above virtually any other Championship midfielder on his day. The key will be keeping him fit, physically and mentally, with no real cover in midfield for at least the next two games. Photo: George Wood
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8. RW: Willy Gnonto
A blow to see James pick up a hamstring injury but Gnonto is some level of cover. Was at his best earlier this season roaming into central areas from out wide, with hope he can return to those levels. Still managing an ankle injury but he's been fit enough to play the last two games. | Rhianna Chadwick/PA Wire
9. CAM: Brenden Aaronson
Very much looked in need of a rest going into the break and got it at Luton, returning to the starting line-up in midweek. As always, some nice touches and plenty of running but a sense of panic never too far away. If Gnonto goes wide then Aaronson has to start at No.10. | Getty Images
10. LW: Manor Solomon
Form has dropped a little in recent weeks but got the vital assist at Middlesbrough and should have had two, but for Tanaka's incorrectly disallowed goal. Really efficient with his attacking movements and quite clearly preferred to Isaac Schmidt or Largie Ramazani. | Getty Images
11. ST: Patrick Bamford
The only question will be if Bamford is fit enough to play 70-plus minutes, but he's now been great in two substitute appearances and completely outshone the starting Joel Piroe. It would be a great story if he were to score the promotion-securing goal at some point. | Getty Images