Dan James to be dropped in two changes by Daniel Farke; Leeds United’s starting lineup against Preston
For Boxing Day’s match at Deepdale against Preston North End, Daniel Farke is expected to make two changes to his starting lineup for Leeds United.
The Whites come into the match against Ryan Lowe‘s team fresh off a fantastic 4-0 victory over Ipswich Town, but given the short time between games, a few adjustments might be needed.
Leeds has three games between Christmas Day and January 1st that could potentially define the season. Farke has acknowledged that he could have to rotate his team, and he might begin by benching Glen Kamara and Dan James.
The Welshman was largely ineffective on the right flank against Ipswich Town before being replaced after 61 minutes. James completed only 67% of his 15 passes and lost four of his five ground duels [Fotmob].
With Wilfried Gnonto on the bench and looking lively against the Tractor Boys, Farke may give the Italian international his first start since October.
While Kamara did well at the heart of Leeds United’s midfield, the short turnaround between games may force him to sit on the bench, especially given his lack of pre-season with Rangers before to making the £5 million move to Elland Road [Leeds Live].
If Farke rests the Finnish international, it would be an ideal opportunity for Ilia Gruev to make his Whites debut after a solid cameo against Ipswich in which he completed 100% of his 16 passes.
Farke is unlikely to adjust his defence after the Leeds backline kept Ipswich’s strong attacking resources quiet at Elland Road. Ilan Meslier is almost set to stay in goal, with Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk preferred ahead of him.
While Junior Firpo is healed and ready to return, Djed Spence will most likely continue at left-back after having one of his greatest outings in a white shirt against Kieran McKenna’s team.
Farke has stated that, considering the number of games he has played this season, he will have to be cautious with Ethan Ampadu over the holiday time, but the Welshman has made himself unstoppable with his spectacular performances this season.
While Gnonto will almost certainly replace James, the remainder of Leeds’ offensive quartet will likely remain unchanged following the rout of Ipswich. Crysencio Summerville, one of the Championship’s greatest players, will remain on the left wing.
Farke has been hesitant to start anyone other than Georginio Rutter and Joel Piroe in attack, and given that the Dutchman scored his ninth goal of the season against Ipswich on Boxing Day, that is unlikely to change.
The Whites will be trying to get off to another fast start against Ryan Lowe‘s Preston and then rest some key players ahead of another quick turnaround.
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