Daniel Farke, manager of Leeds United, will have to decide whether to start Archie Grey or Glen Kamara against Millwall this Saturday.
The German has praised the purchase of Kamara, who arrived prior to the 0-0 draw with Sheffield Wednesday in early September, as a wise choice given the minutes Grey and central midfield partner Ethan Ampadu have already played this season.
Grey withdrew from England’s Under-19 squad due to a’slight fitness issue’ and has spent the next two weeks recuperating before returning to Thorp Arch after a little break, along with the rest of the squad.
Farke will also have to choose from his several choices at The Den, as Daniel James is in line to return and Jaidon Anthony joined on deadline day. Mateo Joseph, a young striker, returned to training after suffering an ankle injury during the international break and might be included in the travelling team as well.
The following is the YEP’s expected starting XI against Millwall.
1. Illan Meslier: Goal Keeper
After a late-season dip towards the conclusion of 2022/23 and the signing of Karl Darlow over the summer, French ‘keeper Meslier seemed to have cemented his place as No. 1. Since coming from Newcastle, the latter has yet to make a league appearance.
2. Luke Ayling: RB
Stand-in Captain Despite Djed Spence‘s outstanding cameo from the bench against Sheffield Wednesday, Luke Ayling appears poised to preserve his place.
3. Joe Rodon: CB
There may be a temptation to recall Charlie Cresswell from The Den, where he spent last season on loan, but Joe Rodon’s solid performances for club and country should be enough to preserve his spot.
4. Pascal Struijk: CB
Left-sided midfielder In Liam Cooper’s absence, Pascal Struijk is the primary choice in that position.
5. Jamie Shackleton: LB
If Junior Firpo and Sam Byram are ruled ineligible to play due to recent injuries, Shackleton is likely to start ahead of Leo Hjelde on Farke’s left flank.
6. Ethan Ampadu: CM
Ampadu is quickly emerging as the team’s first ‘undroppable’ under the Farke regime.
7. Glen Kamara: CM
Kamara could be given the nod alongside Ampadu after playing just shy of two hours for Finland during the international break. It would give Gray a much-needed break from action at his tender age.
8. Willy Gnonto: LW
Willy Gnonto will face competition for places with Jaidon Anthony on the left-hand side of Leeds‘ attack this season, but he should retain his place this weekend at least.
9. Summerville Crysencio: RW
Summerville appears to be Leeds’ most potent offensive danger at the moment, but with the likely return of Dan James, he will need to convert promise into substance.
10. Joel Piroe: CF/AM
Piroe‘s performance against Wednesday wasn’t his best or most influential, but his exploits against Ipswich the previous Saturday should have been enough to show Farke that there is talent there worth developing, even if it is at No. 10/in the centre of the attack behind a major striker.
11. Georginio Rutter: ST
Rutter‘s quest for a goal in a Leeds shirt continues, despite breaking his duck against Ipswich. While Patrick Bamford‘s availability is uncertain, the young French forward should still be ahead of Mateo Joseph in the pecking order.
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