Leeds United face a difficult challenge to maintain their unbeaten run in the Premier League when the Whites go to Newcastle United on Wednesday night, at St. James’ Park.
Sunday saw Leeds go a seventh match without losing, drawing 1-1 with Man United. A result that actually left fans feeling a bit frustrated, given they felt Man United were there for the taking at Elland Road.
Nevertheless, it is still an impressive point against a Man United side that has cost a whole lot more to put together. A quick turnaround faces Leeds, who now travel north to take on Newcastle at St. James’ Park.
A Newcastle side that has won two games in a row, beating Burnley away and Crystal Palace at home on Sunday. While Leeds have gone seven without defeat, Leeds have only won three games in their last 15.
Who will be the biggest miss for Leeds in their trip to face Newcastle?
The injury doubts are stacking up for Daniel Farke 🤕
Daniel Farke’s selection issues and headaches at Leeds United
Farke could be without four players on Wednesday night, or just one. The Leeds manager is forced into making some late calls, though winger Dan James will miss the trip to Tyneside to face Eddie Howe’s side.
Farke says Jayden Bogle and Joe Rodon are doing rehab and could play, while Sean Longstaff may also be available off the bench. Longstaff was included in the side on Sunday, for his maturity and personality.
One boost for Farke is the return of captain Ethan Ampadu from suspension and he will, without question, start in the Leeds midfield. James Justin, Seb Bornauw and Ilia Gruev are likely to be largely fatigued.
The trio have rarely started, but then, all three have started the last two games against Liverpool and Man United. Justin clocked up 90 minutes against Man United. Some changes need to be made.
Three changes, Jayden Bogle risk and Ethan Ampadu comes in
So, how does Farke line-up? Well, we predict Farke will make three changes to his side, with the obvious one being Ampadu. We also think Justin will be rested, having played the entire 90 minutes last time out.
Bornauw came off, while Bogle has only missed one game – Rodon has been missing since his injury at Sunderland. Even before the game against Man United, Farke said Bogle’s calf issue was a “minor” issue.
Bogle should start on the right instead of Justin, while Ampadu comes in for midfielder Gruev. Newcastle play with a back four and it should see Farke use a 3-5-2 again, to make it two v two in Leeds’ attack.
Three changes – do you agree with our line-up?
Bogle risked…
IN: Ampadu, Nmecha and Bogle
OUT: Justin, Gruev, Okafor
Nmecha should be handed a start after two substitute appearances, following his injury. He should go alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin for the first time since Leeds beat Chelsea at Elland Road last month.
Three changes then. In come captain Ampadu, right-back Bogle, and striker Nmecha to go alongside Calvert-Lewin. Justin is rested after two starts in a row, Gruev comes out, as does £18m Noah Okafor.
Predicted XI: Lucas Perri; Jayden Bogle, Seb Bornauw, Jaka Bijol, Pascal Struijk, Gabi Gudmundsson; Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach, Brenden Aaronson; Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Lukas Nmecha.
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