On Wednesday, January 24, at Elland Road, Daniel Farke is expected to make two changes to his starting lineup for Leeds United’s match against Norwich City.
Joel Piroe‘s 94th-minute penalty gave the Whites a thrilling 2-1 victory at Preston North End, and the Ducthman’s valiant efforts will probably earn him a recall to Farke’s starting lineup.
Leeds’ match on Wednesday is a rapid turnaround for them after their last game on Sunday, January 21. As a result, Farke is anticipated to make a few changes when he plays his old team, which may result in the firing of Junior Firpo.
Despite a shaky moment or two in Sunday’s victory, Illan Meslier will almost definitely continue in goal, with Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon starting ahead of him while Pascal Struijk is still out due to injury.
Despite not playing at his best against Ryan Lowe‘s team, Archie Gray will have to stay on the right side of defense due to the lack of other choices, especially because Sam Byram is expected to rejoin the team to take Sam Byram’s place at left-back.
In the victory over Preston, the 30-year-old came in for Firpo. Although the Spaniard has been playing well when healthy this season, his rapid recovery and recent injury problems mean that he will probably be rotated out of the starting lineup on Wednesday night.
Ilia Gruev and Glen Kamara choose themselves in midfield, especially with Ampadu and Gray pushed into the backline because Farke truly doesn’t have any other options at Elland Road.
On each flank, Dan James and Crysencio Summerville will probably keep going. Wilfried Gnonto will likely not be back in the starting lineup right away due to a late fitness test. Both wingers have been excellent for Leeds United this season.
Although Patrick Bamford has at last found his scoring form—he scored a “magnificent” goal against Peterborough on January 8—his lackluster performance against Preston will probably force him back onto the bench, with Piroe almost certain to take up the number 10 position.
Georginio Rutter will thereafter be the line leader and an absolute number nine. The Dutchman‘s return to the team may help the Frenchman regain his best form, since he was fairly quiet on Sunday. This season, the Frenchman has looked his best with Piroe behind him.
Rutter, in any form, usually gets started when he’s available and fit.
Neil Warnock has provided his assessment on Leeds United‘s chances of earning automatic promotion this season.
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