Predicted Leeds United XI v Bournemouth, Karl Darlow decision made as £10m man set for first start

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Leeds United’s pursuit of Premier League safety continues on Saturday afternoon as Daniel Farke’s side return to Elland Road to take on Bournemouth, with seven points already secured.

In the summer, Farke made it clear that Leeds need to average a point a game to avoid the drop. Well, Leeds now have seven points on the board from five games after Saturday’s impressive win at Wolves.

The feel-good factor is back and even better, Leeds find themselves at home for the next two games, starting with Bournemouth on Saturday. Boss Farke’s injury concerns are lessening in recent weeks, too.

Lucas Perri is expected to be close to a return, while Farke said Willy Gnonto and Dan James were doubts at Wolves. They are expected to be ready come Saturday when Andoni Iraola’s side come to Yorkshire.

• READ MORE: Pascal Struijk says Leeds have a player that often goes underappreciated

Selection headaches for Daniel Farke ahead of Bournemouth

The obvious one is who starts in goal. Perri is expected to be available, while Karl Darlow has starred in goal over the last two weeks. FotMob say that Darlow is actually Leeds’ highest-rated player so far.

Dominic Matteo says Darlow should retain his place between the sticks even if Perri is fit. It might be that Perri is given the Jaka Bijol treatment when he returns, given the impressive form of Wales no.1 Darlow.

Elsewhere, Jayden Bogle picked up an impact injury against Wolves but there is an expectation that he may miss the next few weeks. James and Gnonto will be pushing to start ahead of Brenden Aaronson.

Predicted XI: One change as Darlow and Aaronson decisions made

One change will be enforced, and that will see James Justin earn his first start for Leeds since completing a £10m move from Leicester. Darlow should retain his place between the sticks, ahead of £15m Perri.

Leeds fans will be keen for Farke to replace Aaronson, but the American has done his job in the last two starts. Against a side that boasts Antoine Semenyo, Farke will want his side to be defensively solid.

Farke explained the need for Aaronson from a defensive point of view. The chances are that the USA star retains his place ahead of Gnonto and James, meaning Farke will only make one enforced change.

Predicted XI: Karl Darlow; James Justin, Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, Gabriel Gudmundsson; Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach, Sean Longstaff; Brenden Aaronson, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor.