Leeds United have been handed a home fixture against newly promoted Portsmouth to kick off their new season.
Pompey romped to the League One title last term and so Leeds will have to ensure there is no hangover from their play-off final defeat as they face a side likely to be full of confidence.
Leeds certainly have a lot of work to do between now and that season opener on August 10, but if the season was to start tomorrow, they would certainly be in good shape.
As it stands, key assets such as Crysencio Summerville, Archie Gray and Willy Gnonto are still at Elland Road, while Brenden Aaronson is also set to be back part of the squad.
As it stands, neither Max Wober or Rasmus Kristensen look likely to return to their former loan clubs and would also be in contention for the starting line-up.
So, with all that in mind, here is how we could see Leeds lining up if the season was getting underway tomorrow.
Goalkeeper
Illan Meslier looks set to go into another campaign at Leeds as number one, though given his age and that he was bought for just £5 million, he still represents a sellable asset.
Defence
With Wober and Kristensen options as it stands, Farke has some interesting options at the back.
However, despite the prospect of a return for the latter, Archie Gray remains the best option at right-back even with his desire to move into midfield.
On the other flank, Junior Firpo very much looks first choice at left-back, but with just 12 months left on his deal and no new contract in the pipeline, nothing can be ruled out regarding his future.
Leeds will be hopeful Pascal Struijk is back and ready to hit the ground running in pre-season, having not played since Boxing Day. At the moment, he could form a partnership with Wober in central defence.
By the time the season rolls around, Leeds will be hopeful Joe Rodon is back at Elland Road, particularly with Charlie Cresswell wanted elsewhere and Liam Cooper’s contract offer still unsigned.
Midfield
Ethan Ampadu spent the second half of the season covering for Struijk at the back but simply must return to midfield against Portsmouth.
Ilia Gruev and Glen Kamara are the two options to partner him at this stage, the latter of which would provide a better balance alongside the Welshman.
Attack
It is in attack where Farke is currently spoilt for choice, with Summerville, Gnonto and Georginio Rutter still here, and Aaronson now back.
Leeds didn’t really have a proper number 10 last season and so in this team, it is Aaronson who gets the nod. Summerville starts on the left for however long he is still here.
On the other flank, Rutter starts on the right, which is actually the position Farke had pencilled him into play upon his appointment 12 months ago. Dan James and Gnonto represent brilliant options from the bench.
Patrick Bamford, Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph are the three players currently vying for that number nine spot and it should be the latter who starts.
Leeds line-up vs Portsmouth: Meslier; Gray, Struijk, Wober, Firpo; Ampadu, Kamara; Rutter, Aaronson, Summerville; Joseph
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