Predicted Leeds XI to face Southampton: 25-year-old returns, as £5m man gets nod in midfield

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Leeds United will be looking to continue their excellent recent run of form as they make the trip to Southampton on Saturday.

The Whites picked up seven points in their three matches following the international break, a week which included 3-0 wins over Millwall and Watford.

Daniel Farke’s side will have to be wary of Southampton who will be desperate to end their recent run of four consecutive defeats.

Farke has a number of selection dilemmas to contend with at St. Mary’s, with some of Leeds’ lesser seen players having shone against Watford last weekend.

So, with that in mind, we have chosen our predicted XI for the game.

Goalkeeper

Illan Meslier continues in goal looking to make it five successive clean sheets in the Championship.

Defence

Sam Byram and Pascal Struijk are the only two guaranteed starters at the back this weekend, with two huge calls for Farke to make on the other side of defence.

Liam Cooper deputised well for Joe Rodon in the win over Watford, but the latter should return to the side after serving his one-match ban.

Jamie Shackleton was also handed a start at right-back ahead of Luke Ayling, but it is difficult to see Farke dropping the latter again.

Midfield

Another big call for Farke to make will be who partners Ethan Ampadu in the centre of midfield.

Archie Gray had started every game in league and cup up until last weekend, with Glen Kamara having been handed his full debut for Leeds in place of the 17-year-old.

Kamara should be handed another chance to build on his performance against the Hornets.

Attack

Georginio Rutter, Joel Piroe and Crysencio Summerville are all picking themselves at this point, but he final position in the front four remains up for grabs.

Jaidon Anthony is really knocking at the door to be handed his first Leeds start, but Dan James look likely to keep his place after two assists last weekend.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Ayling, Rodon, Struijk, Byram; Ampadu, Kamara; James, Piroe, Summerville; Rutter