Predicted Leeds United XI to face Plymouth… Eight changes as 20-year-old handed just second ever start

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Leeds United will be looking to progress through to the next round of the FA Cup as they face Plymouth Argyle this afternoon.

Daniel Farke is likely to make some changes to his starting XI at Elland Road with this the third home match in just six days, and the squad looking a little stretched.

Both Dan James and Archie Gray joined Pascal Struijk on the sidelines following the victory over Norwich City on Wednesday night, though neither will be out long-term.

In better news, though, Willy Gnonto is available for selection once again after missing the last two matches, while the door is also open for Charlie Cresswell to make a shock return.

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

Goalkeeper

Kristoffer Klaesson produced a couple of decent displays when filling in for Illan Meslier earlier this month and deserves another start here.

Defence

With Gray out and Leeds still yet to sign a new right-back, Jamie Shackleton comes into the defence, with Sam Byram replacing the in-form Junior Firpo on the other side.

Firpo will be keen to continue the recent momentum he has built but after his recent injury problems, it definitely makes sense to give him a rest.

Liam Cooper is another who will almost certainly comes back in, but there is a decision to be made as to who partners him.

Cresswell is back in contention, but has played just one minute of club football since August. Both Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu could also do with a rest, but it really would not be a surprise if the latter started once again.

Midfield

If Ampadu starts at centre-back again, Farke does not really have much choice in midfield. Ilia Gruev and Glen Kamara have started the last three matches alongside one another, and will do so again today.

Attack

Patrick Bamford is in a similar situation to the aforementioned Firpo and although he is in excellent form, needs to have his minutes managed carefully.

£10.5 million summer signing Joel Piroe will come in for his first start since the previous round of the FA Cup, with Jaidon Anthony also replacing the injured James.

As mentioned, Gnonto is back in contention again and should come straight back in to the XI, providing Crysencio Summerville with a chance to rest.

There is some doubt as to who will lead the line, with Mateo Joseph and Joe Gelhardt both hopeful of a start. Georginio Rutter remains another option.

Predicted XI: Klaesson; Shackleton, Ampadu, Cooper, Byram; Gruev, Kamara; Gnonto, Piroe, Anthony; Joseph