The Whites’ boss decided to leave Archie Gray out of team training on Thursday in order to protect the youngster from an increased risk of injury following the completion of five full nineties for club and country in the space of a fortnight. As a consequence, there is the possibility Farke will keep the breakout 17-year-old on the substitutes’ bench at Carrow Road as the club continue to manage his minutes.
Five of Farke’s six central midfield options were away on international duty, which the manager says proved difficult when working on things such as team shape, however United’s attacking talents were able to work more closely on specialised finishing drills and the like.
The return of Willy Gnonto is a possibility from the start after Farke revealed the Italian had returned to team training last Sunday, while Jamie Shackleton has overcome a shoulder problem after sitting out the win over Bristol City two weeks ago.
Here is the YEP’s prediction for who will start at Carrow Road on Saturday afternoon.
7. Glen Kamara - CM
Kamara had a role to play in Leeds' opening goal against Bristol City a fortnight ago. Farke is likely to stick with the Finn. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
8. Crysencio Summerville - RW
A beneficiary of the shooting drills Farke discussed during his pre-match press conference, Summerville should be expected to retain his place. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
9. Willy Gnonto
Farke opted to mention that Gnonto had been back in team training almost a week following his ankle problem and subsequent minor surgery, which suggests he is toying with the idea of throwing him straight back into the fold as he did at Ipswich two months ago. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
10. Joel Piroe - CF
Championship Goal of the Month winner Piroe is in goalscoring form, netting five times in eight appearances since his £12 million move. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
11. Georginio Rutter - ST
Despite Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph's return to fitness, Rutter's start to the season means he remains one of the first names on the teamsheet. Photo: Bruce Rollinson