Opinion

Predicted Leeds United XI to face Derby as Largie Ramazani among five Daniel Farke changes

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Leeds United continue their festive period with another away match at Derby County.

The Whites made it just two wins from their last eight games on the road on Boxing Day as they comfortably dispatched Stoke City 2-0 thanks to a brace from Joel Piroe.

Daniel Farke’s squad appear to have come through Thursday’s match without any new injury concerns, though the Leeds boss did confirm both Sam Byram and Ethan Ampadu would be assessed.

However, with this the third of five matches in the space of just 15 days, it will be important for Farke to rotate his side to ensure everyone remains fresh for another important game.

Here is our predicted XI for the match.

Preston North End FC v Leeds United FC - Sky Bet Championship
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Goalkeeper

Illan Meslier’s save early on at Stoke was very important for Leeds to come away with three point and so keeps his place in goal.

Defence

Jayden Bogle produced a masterful full-back display last time out and is likely to be part of a back four that is very similar to the one that started at Stoke.

Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk both keep their places at centre-back, with the only change coming on the left of defence, as Isaac Schmidt gets his first start.

Max Wober and Junior Firpo will both be absent once again, and so it is important for Byram to be managed carefully so he doesn’t pick up any injuries.

Midfield

Farke sprung a surprise by dropping Ao Tanaka to the bench on Thursday but he looks set to return to the starting line-up for this one.

It is no coincidence Leeds were victorious away from home with Ampadu back in midfield and that will mean Joe Rothwell starts on the bench.

Attack

The front four is likely to be where Farke makes the most changes and there could be as many as three.

Manor Solomon and Dan James have both been excellent lately but due to the volume of matches, Largie Ramazani and Wilfried Gnonto should start.

Brenden Aaronson is the only member of Thursday’s attack to keep his place, with Mateo Joseph replacing Joel Piroe up front.

Predicted XI: Meslier; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Schmidt; Ampadu, Tanaka; Gnonto, Aaronson, Ramazani; Joseph