Predicted Leeds United XI to face Leicester: 17-year-old starts as £10.5 million man keeps his place

Add as preferred source on Google

Leeds United face their toughest match of the season on Friday night as they make the trip to Leicester City.

Despite sitting third in the Championship, the Whites are already 14 points adrift of league leaders Leicester, who have made a record-breaking start to the campaign with 13 wins from 14 matches.

While Daniel Farke may not want to concern himself too much with the calibre of opposition, he certainly has some decisions to make as to whether a more pragmatic approach could be the way to go.

However, after such a comprehensive victory over Huddersfield Town last time out, it would be a big call for him to drop anyone from that starting XI.

So, with that in mind, here is our predicted Leeds side for the match.

Goalkeeper

Despite his mistake in allowing Huddersfield to score a late consolation, Illan Meslier keeps his place in goal.

Defence

Farke confirmed in his press conference on Wednesday that both Joe Rodon and Sam Byram will be fit for the game providing they came through yesterday’s training session unscathed.

If that is the case, both are shoo-in starters at the back, even with Junior Firpo’s return to the squad for the first time this season. Pascal Struijk, of course, also starts.

Right-back brings arguably Farke’s biggest call. Jamie Shackleton started last time out but with Archie Gray getting a proper rest, it would be no surprise if he returns.

Midfield

It feels like Farke finally knows his first-choice midfield pairing and that should see Glen Kamara and Ethan Ampadu once again start alongside one another.

Attack

Like the aforementioned Byram and Rodon, Crysencio Summerville has also been passed fit to play. He keeps his place on the left after his electric recent run of form, with Dan James on the other flank.

Leeds have been in a little too open in the big away games so far and could therefore be tempted to drop £10.5 million summer signing Joel Piroe for Patrick Bamford.

It would be a huge surprise if Farke was to do that, though, meaning Piroe once again starts just behind Georginio Rutter.

Predicted XI: Meslier; Gray, Rodon, Struijk, Byram; Ampadu, Kamara; James, Piroe, Summerville; Rutter