Predicted Leeds United XI to face Oxford as Pascal Struijk decision made and attacking duo return

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The start of five games in 15 days begins for Leeds United on Saturday afternoon with a home clash against Oxford.

Daniel Farke knows how important rotation could be to get through this period and ahead of two away matches between Christmas and New Year, this could be the time to do it.

Leeds have a couple of injury doubts heading into the game with Farke confirming both Pascal Struijk and Max Wober have missed parts of training this week.

Struijk has been feeling some hamstring tightness, while Wober is again struggling with a knee issue that has seemingly plagued him all season.

Here is our predicted XI for the match.

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Goalkeeper

Illan Meslier made another poor mistake at Preston North End last weekend but keeps his place in goal.

Defence

The back four is where Farke arguably faces his toughest decisions as he must weigh up the risk of playing Struijk and/or Wober.

Given Struijk’s is muscular, it does feel wise to let him rest up for the Boxing Day trip to Stoke City, which on paper, is a tougher game.

As such, it could see the partnership of Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu return, with the latter getting his first start since September.

Jayden Bogle and Sam Byram look set to continue as Leeds’ two full-backs, but it could be a decent game to throw Isaac Schmidt in for his full debut.

Midfield

Ampadu being at the back eliminates any possibility of Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell being replaced in midfield.

They weren’t quite at their best last weekend but have been excellent at home and so deserve to keep their places.

Providing Struijk is back for Stoke, it could be a different story across the next two matches, though.

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Attack

Farke utilised his bench well to help Leeds earn a point late on last weekend and so he should reward those who played well.

Mateo Joseph should come in up front after a poor display from Joel Piroe, while Manor Solomon replaces Wilfried Gnonto on the left.

Largie Ramazani deserves a start centrally over Brenden Aaronson, but it won’t happen. Dan James starts on the right.