Daniel Farke names ‘crucial’ player in Leeds United squad despite injury doubt as Ethan Ampadu decision made

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Leeds United can move back to the top of the Championship with a win over Derby County at Elland Road.

Burnley’s draw with Middlesbrough on Friday night and Sheffield United not being in action until Sunday at West Brom means Leeds can climb back into first, at least temporarily.

Leeds really have no excuses not to return to winning ways after last weekend’s defeat at Blackburn Rovers as they face a Derby side who have picked up just six points on the road all season.

Daniel Farke‘s team have also been much stronger at home than on their travels so far and Andy Hinchcliffe is among several pundits backing Leeds to get the win.

It will certainly be interesting to see what starting XI Farke goes with considering he now has a fully fit set of attackers, but a couple of injury doubts at the back.

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Farke makes decision on Junior Firpo and Ethan Ampadu

Farke’s press conference on Thursday revealed that Junior Firpo is Leeds’ only fresh injury doubt from last weekend after a knock at Thorp Arch.

Firpo was not spotted in Leeds‘ latest inside training video but the key to his involvement against Derby is where he was able to join in the last session on Friday.

According to Leeds Live, it would appear the ‘crucial‘ Firpo has overcome his injury issue as they suggest he is indeed in the squad at Elland Road this afternoon.

Whether he is fit enough to be in the XI remains to be seen, with Farke hinting at Max Wober being handed his first start of the season on Thursday.

And despite Ethan Ampadu looking sharp in training, Farke has opted against throwing him straight back into the squad for this one, as per the same report.

Farke admitted his temptation at bringing Ampadu back earlier than normal but after just one week of training, Derby looks to have come too early.

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Predicted Leeds XI to face Derby

With Firpo reportedly back in the squad it gives Farke a decision to make on whether to keep him in the XI or put him on the bench to keep him ready for the weeks ahead.

Wober and even potentially Isaac Schmidt are both ready to step in if necessary, though it is clear Firpo needs to regain some of his rhythm after a poor performance at Blackburn.

Elsewhere, the only other change looks like it will be in attack, though it is a mystery who Farke will opt to bring out of the side.

Brenden Aaronson is the most deserving of a place on the bench, with Manor Solomon more likely to come in than Largie Ramazani due to match fitness. Everything else looks set to stay the same.