Leeds United’s expected XI vs. Stoke City: Archie Gray to be dropped
Daniel Farke is expected to make two changes to the Leeds United team that defeated Norwich City in the Championship match against Stoke City on Wednesday, October 25.
Two alterations jump out, with Archie Gray perhaps likely to leave the team after struggling to keep up with the pace after being regularly utilised recently, and Daniel James also on the chopping block.
Wilfried Gnonto, who returned from injury against Norwich, has put himself in contention to start, while Jamie Shackleton was also eligible but did not play. Luke Ayling will be waiting for the call as well.
Gray will almost certainly be rested for this one after the manager slammed his involvement with England’s Under-19 side, claiming the 17-year-old was overworked and at risk of burnout [The Athletic, 19 October], before playing him for 90 minutes despite looking knackered against the Canaries.
As a result, Ayling is set to fill in at right-back, providing Farke another option to play the player in his customary position despite Gray’s appearance in a new role.
Shackleton is another candidate for the role, with his ability to move into midfield making him a more like-for-like substitute for Gray, but Ayling‘s experience may be needed as Leeds attempt to shore up their defence after falling two goals behind at Carrow Road.
Gnonto could possibly make his first start since September 20, with James dropping to the bench in a rotational move. Because Crysencio Summerville is a lock to start on this side, Farke will be more likely to rotate to the opposite flank.
In terms of the remainder of the team, despite the leaky nature of the win over Norwich, Sam Byram, Pascal Struijk, and Joe Rodon are anticipated to keep their positions in defence, with Illan Meslier remaining in goal despite a poor performance.
Glen Kamara struggled to impress on Saturday but is likely to keep his spot in midfield, with more of the ball expected until Shackleton steps in, but Farke is likely to remain with the Finnish international alongside Ethan Ampadu.
The attacking combination of Summerville, Joel Piroe, and Georginio Rutter is nearly unstoppable at this point, with their performances critical to Leeds‘ danger moving forward, and they will be relied on against Stoke on Wednesday.
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