Daniel Farke faces a potentially career-defining team selection as Leeds United prepare to face Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Leeds United are in a rut as they prepare to host Aston Villa at Elland Road, having lost their last two games in disappointing circumstances.
Daniel Farke must find a way to coax an improvement out of his side, as Leeds’ usual defensive frugality has deserted them in the Premier League.
Leeds have a clean bill of health to choose from, in a major boost to Farke, as Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Dan James and Willy Gnonto all look to force their way back into the starting line-up.
Who should start on the right for Leeds United?
Predicted Leeds United XI to take on Aston Villa as Dan James returns
Daniel Farke has several difficult decisions to make as Leeds look to claim a first top-flight win at home against Aston Villa since Mark Viduka scored in 2003.
16 Leeds players linked up with their national teams during the international break, which could play a role in Farke’s decision ahead of the meeting with Villa.
Having found the net for Wales in the week, Dan James takes his place on the right wing, replacing Brenden Aaronson, who struggled against Burnley after the last international break.
Farke could also decide to recall centre back Pascal Struijk, reverting to his plan A from the start of the season, after Jaka Bijol struggled in the demoralising defeat against Forest.
Below is the Leeds United News predicted XI to face Aston Villa:
Four predicted changes vs Aston Villa explained
With Leeds struggling to find their groove, Dominic Calvert-Lewin will return to the Leeds starting line-up, replacing Lukas Nmecha after his goal against Forest.
He will be joined by James, who replaces Aaronson on the right-hand side of the Leeds attack, holding off competition from Willy Gnonto, who is also available to take his place on the bench.
Here’s everything Daniel Farke had to say ahead of Leeds United vs Aston Villa
Farke’s attack functioned best in the opening game of the season against Everton, with Ao Tanaka in the midfield. As a result, we predict Farke will trust Tanaka to take his place in the starting line-up against Villa to offer more attacking threat.
Finally, Farke recalls Pascal Struijk in defence to take his place alongside Joe Rodon, reverting to the defensive partnership that looked so solid at the start of the season.
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