Predicted Leeds United XI to face Plymouth… Five changes as 21-year-old handed first start since August

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Daniel Farke is likely to rotate his side somewhat for Leeds United’s trip to Plymouth Argyle this evening.

Leeds are tasked with facing the first of two long away matches at Home Park in less than two weeks after being held to a 1-1 draw at Elland Road last month in the FA Cup fourth round.

Should Leeds come out victorious, they will be rewarded with a trip to either Aston Villa or Chelsea, dependant on who comes out on top in their respective FA Cup replay this week.

Farke made six changes to his side for the first match a couple of weeks ago and it wouldn’t be a surprise if it is a similar amount again, given Leeds’ intense schedule this month.

So, with that in mind, here is our predicted XI for the match.

Goalkeeper

Illan Meslier was the starting goalkeeper last time out in the FA Cup, and so starts again here.

Defence

With Jamie Shackleton a major doubt due to illness, and Connor Roberts ineligible after his arrival from Burnley, Farke has no choice but to start Archie Gray at right-back, with Sam Byram replacing Junior Firpo on the other flank.

We could see an entirely new partnership in central defence with Liam Cooper almost certain to come in, and Charlie Cresswell joining him for his first start since August.

Midfield

It would seem that Ethan Ampadu is viewed as undroppable by Farke regardless of the opposition and schedule, so returns back in the heart of midfield.

Ilia Gruev would seem the most likely to start alongside him to give him another chance to see whether a partnership of him and Ampadu can work, with Glen Kamara dropping out.

Attack

Farke has used the FA Cup as a chance to rest Crysencio Summerville and so Jaidon Anthony will more than likely replace him on the left.

Willy Gnonto is set to be handed his third start in a row in all competitions after his goal last Friday, and with Dan James still out.

Leeds’ fifth and final change comes in the number nine spot with Joel Piroe taking Patrick Bamford’s place, and Georginio Rutter making up the rest of the attack.

Predicted XI: Meslier; Gray, Cresswell, Cooper, Byram; Ampadu, Gruev; Gnonto, Rutter, Anthony, Piroe