The Craven Cottage contest marks a second Whites game in charge for new head coach Javi Gracia who took Watford to the FA Cup final in 2019. The Spaniard frequently made changes to his Hornets side during that run and the 52-year-old said at Monday’s pre-match press conference that alterations to his Leeds side were necessary to compete to the "best level” at Craven Cottage. Gracia declared: "For sure we need something new or fresh legs and to change something to compete to our best level because I trust in all my players and I think it’s a good opportunity to play or to see other players.” Gracia also admitted that he now wanted another cup run at Leeds, meaning his team selection for the Cottagers clash will be something of a balancing act, especially with a whole host of players still injured and Sam Greenwood now suspended.
Leeds will return to Premier League action just four days after Tuesday night’s cup tie with a clash at bitter London rivals Chelsea and this is the Whites XI that we think Gracia will send out at Craven Cottage.
7. CM - Marc Roca
It might be that Adams and McKennie both make way with Saturday's clash at Chelsea in mind although it could all depend on how fit Roca is. The Spaniard returned from a recent knock as an 87th-minute sub against Southampton and a start from the off would surely be of benefit to his own prospects of lining up against the Blues. If he's not fit enough to start then the experience of Adams next to Gyabi would seem the most likely scenario with Sam Greenwood suspended. Photo: OLI SCARFF
8. RW - Crysencio Summerville
If it's fresh legs that Gracia is after then Summerville should be perfect following his strong impact from the bench aganist Southampton upon replacing Willy Gnonto who might benefit from a rest ahead of Chelsea. The fourth change, replacing Gnonto. Photo: LINDSEY PARNABY
9. LW - Jack Harrison
There's still no Luis Sinisterra and Harrison is used to the games coming thick and fast so looks a good bet to be in the XI and probably on the left wing although he could always drop into centre midfield. Photo: George Wood
10. ST - Brenden Aaronson
Aaronson came back into the starting line up at the weekend and produced a decent display almost alongside Patrick Bamford in a front two. A player with bags of energy, it's easy to see him staying in the side although youngsters Mateo Joseph and Sonny Perkins are other options. Photo: Ashley Allen
11. ST - Georginio Rutter
Rodrigo remains sidelined and it's surely Patrick Bamford or Georginio Rutter as the main striker unless Gracia makes a bold call of Perkins or Joseph from the off. Bamford is now thankfully building up a good run of consecutive starts after his long injuries nightmare but it might be that Gracia chooses to manage his game time and give record signing Rutter what would be just a second Leeds start having also lined up in the fourth round win at Accrington. The fifth of five changes, in for Bamford. Photo: Stu Forster