Leeds United’s side pretty much picks itself come Saturday afternoon when Daniel Farke prepares his side to face Tottenham at Elland Road, but there are one or two question marks.
The defence should remain the same. Graham Smyth has praised Jayden Bogle’s start to the season, Joe Rodon was in Troy Deeney’s Team of the Week. Pascal Struijk and Gabi Gudmundsson will start, too.
The midfield is sure to remain the same, as well. Captain Ethan Ampadu is the first name on the team sheet and Anton Stach is joint-third in the Premier League for chances created, after six appearances.
Sean Longstaff is a nominee for Premier League Player of the Week after his goal and assist. Up top, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor are likely to start, especially with Dan James now out injured.
Leeds may have just dropped a hint on who goes in goal…
There are two question marks. Who starts on the right wing, even with James injured, and who goes in goal. Brenden Aaronson got a standing ovation last time out and he’s likely to start on the right flank.
With James injured, Willy Gnonto still a doubt and Jack Harrison preferred on the left, it is likely that Aaronson retains his place. The bigger question mark is who goes in goal – Karl Darlow or Lucas Perri?
Darlow has now started the last three games and while he has pulled off some top saves, the Wales no.1 is yet to keep a clean sheet. Perri is expected to be in contention this weekend after his injury absence.
Perri also has two clean sheets in three games, but Leeds may have just dropped a hint that suggests Darlow is going to start a fourth consecutive game, with a post on their social media in the last 24 hours.
Even if Lucas Perri is fit, Karl Darlow deserves to keep his role
Perri was hardly convincing when starting his three games, even if he did keep two clean sheets. Darlow though, has been excellent, hardly to blame for any of the four goals he has conceded in three games.
It might have been his fault when setting up the wall for Antoine Semenyo’s free kick, but it probably comes down to fine margins. Ultimately, if both are fit, Darlow should retain his place between the sticks.
Especially, given how Farke has retained Pascal Struijk in defence over Jaka Bijol. Leeds may have dropped a hint regarding Darlow but if Darlow starts on Saturday, it shouldn’t really come as any kind of surprise.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
