Leeds United take on Luton Town on Saturday, and the news that everyone wanted to hear has been confirmed by Daniel Farke.
After months of criticism, toil and turbulence, Daniel Farke is finally set to axe Illan Meslier as the Leeds United no.1.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, Farke confirmed that Meslier will be dropped for the game at Luton own and replaced by Karl Darlow, after the Frenchman’s nightmare performance in the 2-2 draw with Swansea City last time out.
It’s a bold decision from Farke with just seven games left to play, but one that was needed. Meslier has been a liability for far too long now and in Darlow, Farke has a more than reliable stand in for Meslier.
On Saturday, Leeds simply have to pick up three points. They head to Kenilworth Road to face a Luton Town side facing a second-straight relegation, currently sitting in 23rd place of the Championship table under current boss Matt Bloomfield.
Leeds United team and injury news vs Luton Town
Leeds United remain fairly lucky on the injury front with no major injuries to report and no new concerns to report either, per Farke, who actually revealed some positive news in his Thursday presser, suggesting that Max Wober ad Patrick Bamford are both back in contention.
The Leeds boss explained: “All the players came through [the Swansea City game]. No new injuries. Each and every day in the training pitch is beneficial. (Wober and Bamford) are in the mix.”
If they feature in the matchday squad then it’ll undoubtedly be from the bench, with Farke not likely to make too many drastic changes to the XI barring Meslier.
Leeds United predicted lineup vs Luton Town on Saturday
In front of Darlow we can expect to see Junior Firpo return to the XI for Sam Byram, with Firpo seemingly rested after the international break. He’ll start alongside Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon in the middle, and Jayden Bogle on the right.
In the midfield, Farke may decide to change up the partnership from Ampadu and Rothwell, who is valued at £7.5 million, which didn’t do Leeds many favours against Swansea. The more physical pairing of Ampadu and Ao Tanaka may be preferred against a Luton Town side who’ll prove likewise.
Then expect the same front four unless Farke decides to finally axe Brenden Aaronson and give Wilfried Gnonto a start, though fans may need to hold their breath on that one.
Here’s how we think Leeds United will line upon Saturday…
Darlow (GK)
Firpo
Struijk
Rodon
Bogle
Ampadu
Tanaka
Solomon
Aaronson
James
Piroe
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