Predicted Leeds United XI to face Middlesbrough as Daniel Farke mulls changes after short turnaround

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Leeds United face a swift return to action when they host Middlesbrough at Elland Road this afternoon.

Given the short turnaround between the 3-1 win over Swansea City on Wednesday and today’s game, Daniel Farke may be tempted to make changes in order to keep his side fresh.

Leeds will be looking to make it an impressive seventh consecutive Championship home victory in a row against Boro, who themselves are in a very good run of form under Michael Carrick.

On top of the long-term injured Stuart Dallas, Farke will now be without both Junior Firpo and Joe Gelhardt after picking up respective hamstring and hip problems.

With that in mind, here is our predicted XI for the game.

Goalkeeper

Illan Meslier maintains his record of starting every Championship match this season.

Defence

Djed Spence will be pushing for a start against his former side, but having had no involvement from the bench on Wednesday, it is likely that Archie Gray keeps his place.

Farke was afforded the luxury of bringing Sam Byram off before the end against Swansea, and he will be needed again from the start with Junior Firpo out.

Pascal Struijk had a little niggle when he was withdrawn on 88 minutes in midweek, but it is not expected to be enough to keep him out of today. He partners Joe Rodon.

Midfield

Midfield could be the area Farke is the most tempted to rotate with Ethan Ampadu and Glen Kamara having started both matches since the international break.

Ilia Gruev will be pushing for just his second Leeds start but it would not at all be surprising if Farke again keeps it unchanged.

Attack

Again, Farke may have been tempted to rotate his wide options this afternoon, but after the performance of the entire front four on Wednesday, it is hard to see him dropping anyone.

Wilfried Gnonto once again came on and looked dangerous from the bench, but at this moment in time, who do you drop him for?

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