Wilfried Gnonto, Ilia Gruev, and Georginio Rutter axed – predicted Leeds United XI vs Watford
Daniel Farke appears to be obliged to make changes to his Leeds United starting team for their key Championship showdown with Watford on Friday.
The Whites climbed to the top of the standings with a 2-0 victory over Millwall in their previous game before the international break, and they will try to maintain their unbeaten start to 2024 at Vicarage Road.
However, the manager has revealed a number of injury difficulties encountered over the international break, and he now appears to be compelled to make changes to a winning lineup.
Leeds has concerns in defence.
Illan Meslier is still healthy and will start in goal, barring any last-minute concerns, but the defence in front of him is likely to alter.
Connor Roberts was forced to leave Wales‘ game against Poland on Tuesday due to an injury, but Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon both played 120 minutes before losing on penalties. However, with Pascal Struijk out for the remainder of the season, the latter two are expected to remain in central defence.
Junior Firpo is not expected to come to Thorp Arch until Thursday morning following his Dominican Republic performances, but with Roberts likely to miss the game, he will be needed at left-back so Sam Byram can play right-back.
That’s because Ilia Gruev is also out with an ankle injury sustained while playing for Bulgaria, so youthful phenom Archie Gray should shift into his natural midfield position to partner Glen Kamara.
Daniel James’s redemptive arc?
Winger Dan James was heartbroken after missing a crucial penalty that cost Wales a place at Euro 2024, but he should have the opportunity to redeem himself at club level right away, with in-form winger Wilfried Gnonto doubtful due to a hamstring injury.
Crysencio Summerville will continue on the left despite his longest goal drought of the season, and despite recovering well from hernia surgery, Georginio Rutter is expected to start on the bench, leaving Joel Piroe as the number 10 behind lead scorer Patrick Bamford.
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