Leeds will host the Monegasque club at York City’s LNER Community Stadium this weekend, several months on from the teams’ encounter at Elland Road during the World Cup break last season.
Monaco ran out 4-2 winners on that occasion, but Leeds will be hoping their 9-1 behind-closed-doors victory over Barnsley last weekend can stand them in good stead for a much trickier test.
Unlike Leeds’ first friendly of the summer which ended in defeat to Manchester United, Farke will have the vast majority of his first-team squad at his disposal after the likes of Charlie Cresswell, Summerville, Gnonto and Meslier all returned for pre-season after their extended breaks.
Those participating at the Under-21 European Championships in Romania and Georgia this summer were not expected to report back for pre-season with the rest of the non-internationals in Leeds’ squad earlier this month as that particular tournament ran into July.
However, due to participation in last weekend’s Barnsley win, Farke could feasibly call on those who have only recently returned to training for this Saturday’s friendly.
Here is the YEP’s predicted line-up against Monaco.
7. CM: Darko Gyabi
With few fit and available central midfield options, Gyabi alongside Ampadu in a double-pivot appears the most suitable pairing for Saturday's game. It'll be a major test for the youngster but one which if he comes through unscathed, could foretell a big season at Elland Road. (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: JUAN MABROMATA
8. AM: Joe Gelhardt
Gelhardt came on against Man United last week in the No. 10 position and that seems increasingly likely to be his new positional home under Farke. He might just get the nod ahead of Sam Greenwood. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) Photo: Gareth Copley
9. LW: Luis Sinisterra
The Colombian carried a threat on the counter in Oslo last week and can be expected to play another 45 minutes at the very least this weekend after returning from injury over the summer break. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images) Photo: Matthew Peters
10. RW: Dan James
James looks set to resurrect his Whites career in the Championship and was involved against Man United. He might have to battle it out for a place alongside Cree Summerville but given the Welshman has been in pre-season training longer, he's more likely to be given the start. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images) Photo: Matthew Peters
11. CF: Georginio Rutter
Another who carried a threat against the Red Devils, Rutter spoke after the match in Norway describing his current situation as a 'new chapter'. Farke seems to view him as a centre-forward and more practice in that role will do him no harm ahead of a make-or-break season in England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) Photo: Stu Forster