Leeds United squad revealed for Southampton as Daniel Farke weighs up dilemma

Daniel Farke faces two big decisions as he plans his starting XI for today's must-win Championship clash with Southampton at Elland Road. Leeds United fans are probably sick of hearing the equation, but they have to win this lunchtime and hope Huddersfield can do the same at Ipswich in order for the Whites to take second spot.

Regardless of what happens at Portman Road, Farke knows his side simply have to land three points. The time for rotation or experiments in formtation is long gone, and Leeds need nothing but their strongest possible XI today.

Of course that's not as simple as it sounds, it rarely is. While Welsh forward Daniel James will miss today's game, along with long-term absentees Stuart Dallas and Pascal Struijk, there remains a doubt over how much of a role Patrick Bamford and Connor Roberts can play.

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Both missed the damaging defeat at QPR and both have the experience needed to be able to handle a big occasion such as this. Farke says he won't risk either player, especially with the play-offs potentially on the horizon.

The players underwent late fitness tests at Thorp Arch last night, with Farke admitting they had expected the bruising which meant Bamford was reduced to a spectator at Loftus Road, would have healed by now.

Elsewhere, Mateo Joseph will continue to press Joel Piroe for a starting place, with Willy Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville likely to keep their wide roles ahead of Jaidon Anthony. Ilia Gruev is expected to start in midfield, but Farke must decide whether to recall Glen Kamara and switch Archie Gray to full-back, or keep faith with Sam Byram.

Leeds United squad vs Southampton: Meslier, Darlow, Klaesson, Gray, Rodon, Firpo, Byram, Cooper, Cresswell, Shackleton, Roberts, Ampadu, Kamara, Gruev, Gnonto, Summerville, Anthony, Bamford, Piroe, Rutter, Gelhardt, Joseph.