Daniel Farke is set to take charge of his first match as Leeds United manager against Manchester United tomorrow.
The Whites kick off their pre-season schedule in Oslo with a clash against their arch rivals having only had a week of sessions under their new boss.
Due to the differing dates of when players returned to Thorp Arch due to the international matches last month, Leeds had looked to be taking a very youthful squad to the Norwegian capital.
However, a further six players – Dan James, Rasmus Kristensen, Kristoffer Klaesson, Max Wober, Leo Hjelde and Helder Costa – all reported back on Monday and are set to be on the plane.
Luis Sinisterra is also in contention to have some sort of involvement after fully overcoming his ankle injury, in what is a huge boost for Leeds.
So, with that in mind, here is another look at how Leeds could line-up against Man United.
Goalkeeper
Dani van den Heuvel – who is yet to make a first team appearance for Leeds – was the club’s most senior goalkeeper during the first week of pre-season.
Though Illan Meslier is not due to report back until next week, Leeds will now be able to take two goalkeepers to Oslo with Klaesson back in training.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see both get some game time against Erik ten Hag’s side, but due to his experience, Klaesson is most likely to start.
Defence
Leeds now have plenty of options at the back following Kristensen, Wober and Hjelde’s return to training, with Junior Firpo also in contention after it had was initially reported he was a doubt.
However, due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding Firpo’s future, and the fact Leeds can name a recognised back four without the aforementioned returnees, it is difficult to see any of these players being handed starts.
Instead, Cody Drameh is set to be handed the nod at right back, with Luke Ayling moving into central defence alongside Liam Cooper, and Pascal Struijk on the left.
Midfield
With Tyler Adams still recovering from a hamstring injury and Marc Roca set to join Real Betis, the midfield will have a youthful look to it.
Darko Gyabi appears to be at the forefront of Leeds’ plans this season and will almost certainly start, with Archie Gray potentially getting the nod to partner him.
Jamie Shackleton and Lewis Bate are also options for Farke, but Gyabi and Gray are seemingly ahead of them in the pecking order at this stage.
Attack
With Costa, James and Sinisterra all available for selection, Leeds now have considerably more options in the front four positions.
However, due to Sinisterra’s injury problems it would be daft to rush him back too quickly and so 20 – 30 minutes off the bench feels more plausible.
Georginio Rutter is set to be used in a wide role at Leeds this season and could start off the right, with Joe Gelhardt also getting the nod to start just behind Patrick Bamford, providing he is fully fit.
Sam Greenwood’s versatility could see him start on the left flank, though that will depend on whether Farke deems either James or Costa ready to start.
Predicted XI: Klaesson; Drameh, Ayling, Cooper, Struijk; Gyabi, Gray; Rutter, Gelhardt, James; Bamford
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