Predicted Leeds United XI to face Sunderland as Pascal Struijk decision made and ‘tremendous’ star misses out

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Leeds United are preparing for their toughest week of the season as they take on Sunderland at Elland Road on Monday before a trip to Championship leaders Sheffield United a week later.

Sheffield United’s 1-0 win over Luton Town on Saturday was enough to take The Blades first by a point with Chris Wilder’s men having played two games since Leeds last took to the field at Vicarage Road.

A game in hand then, comes on Monday night. Leeds host a Sunderland side that continue to just about keep themselves in the race for automatic promotion, but find themselves seven points behind Leeds.

Chris Wilder doesn’t think Leeds will succumb to the pressure of dropping to second but Sunderland are an excellent side with Regis Le Bris working wonders since taking over the reigns at the Stadium of Light.

• READ MORE: Dominic Matteo says if he thinks Leeds will still get promoted this season

Daniel Farke’s selection issues and injuries for Sunderland clash

Daniel Farke has confirmed that Max Wober has undergone surgery while Patrick Bamford remains out of action with a hamstring injury. Other than that, Farke has a whole squad to choose from come Monday.

At Elland Road, Leeds enjoy more of the ball and more control. They often comes across teams playing defensively, trying to avoid defeat and that has seen £7.5m-rated Joe Rothwell often play in the middle.

But given the quality of the opponent and the meaning of the game, Farke will want a solid midfield in terms of keeping Sunderland at bay. Ilia Gruev then, is likely to start over the “tremendous” Rothwell.

Predicted Leeds United side to face Sunderland on Monday

The front four is very likely to remain the same bar any surprise injuries, while Illan Meslier, Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon and Junior Firpo all pick themselves. The one major decision is whether to start Pascal Struijk.

But given the performance at Watford, it would be hard to change anything. Ethan Ampadu surely stays where he is alongside Rodon, and the newborn partnership between Gruev and Ao Tanaka continues.

LeedsUnited.News’ predicted XI v Sunderland: Illan Meslier, Jayden Bogle Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, Junior Firpo, Ilia Gruev, Ao Tanaka, Dan James, Brenden Aaronson, Manor Solomon, Joel Piroe.