Daniel Farke suggested in his pre-Ipswich Town press conference on Thursday that there will be some rotation to his Leeds United side over the next couple of weeks.
Leeds begin the first of four matches in nine days when they host the Tractor Boys, who sit 10 points ahead of the Whites in second place going into the game.
Farke has confirmed both Junior Firpo and Ian Poveda could come back into the squad at the weekend after their respective absences over the last couple of weeks.
However, it appears unlikely either will be thrown straight back into the starting XI amid the recent lack of changes to his side recently.
So, with that in mind, here is our predicted Leeds XI for the match.
Goalkeeper
Illan Meslier has looked a little shaky over the last few matches but it feels highly unlikely that he will be replaced by Karl Darlow.
Defence
As mentioned, Leeds finally have a recognised left-back fit again amid Firpo’s return to training, but it may be a game too early for him to start.
That means Djed Spence starts on the left for the third consecutive match, with Archie Gray once again getting the nod on the other flank.
Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon continue their partnership in central defence.
Midfield
Ethan Ampadu has dismissed claims of fatigue in an interview earlier this week and will start in central midfield again.
Glen Kamara is expected to join him in the engine room, though Ilia Gruev should get his opportunity over the festive period.
Attack
Wilfried Gnonto continues to push for a return to the starting XI with some impressive cameos off the bench, but again, Boxing Day looks more likely for him.
With that in mind, Farke is expected to go with the same ‘unplayable’ front four of the last couple of months as Crysencio Summerville, Dan James, Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter start.
Predicted XI: Meslier; Gray, Rodon, Struijk, Spence; Ampadu, Kamara; James, Piroe, Summerville, Rutter
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