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Leeds United's predicted line-up at Southampton with big changes as star makes injury return

Lee Sobot
·5-min read
Clear first choice 'keeper. (Photo: Ben Roberts Photo)
Clear first choice 'keeper. (Photo: Ben Roberts Photo)

Whites boss Daniel Farke made four changes to his side for last weekend’s 3-0 win at home to Watford for which fit again captain Liam Cooper, Sam Byram, Glen Kamara and Crysencio Summerville all came into the XI.

Two of those changes were enforced due to Joe Rodon’s suspension and Willy Gnonto’s injury as Gnonto was replaced by Summerville in the attacking line and came in for Rodon at centre-half. The other changes saw Archie Gray given a rest as Kamara was handed a full debut in centre midfield whilst Luke Ayling also dropped to the bench as Sam Byram came back into the XI but with Jamie Shackleton switching from left back to right back.

Farke still had six players missing for the contest against the Hornets in Rodon, Gnonto, Patrick Bamford, Stuart Dallas, Junior Firpo and Djed Spence – the latter quintet all still recovering from injuries. But Farke has now received a big double boost for this weekend’s trip to St Mary’s for which Rodon is back from suspension and Bamford is back in the mix for.

Ayling dropped to the bench against Watford as Jamie Shackleton was given a start at right back and it might be that Shackleton now keeps his place after a decent enough showing against the Hornets but Ayling has been clear first choice, at least until Spence returns which will present another conundrum. The first change, in for Shackleton at right back. (Photo: George Wood)

Gnonto, Firpo and Spence remain sidelined whilst Farke has already warned that Dallas would be a while away from returning despite being back in team training as he recovers from a long absence with a femoral fracture. But the Whites boss has plenty to ponder when it comes to picking this weekend’s XI and this is the Leeds side that we think will start out against the Saints.

This is a very hard one to call as Leeds were solid in defence against Watford with centre-backs Pascal Struijk and captain Liam Cooper impressing - the later upon his return to the team after recovering from a ruptured plantar fascia, But Tottenham loanee Rodon has been a rock at the back since joining the club and he was most unlucky to be sent off at Hull after a joke of a first yellow card. Rodon is now back available and there must be a good chance that he comes straight back into the side. A second change. But for who? (Photo: George Wood)
Very harsh on Struijk who has looked in excellent fettle but it might be that Farke sees the experience of Rodon and Cooper as the 'first choice' centre back pairing although it's likely a very close call. It could even be that Rodon misses out and Cooper stays alongside Struijk. Toss of a coin stuff but Struijk out for Rodon as the second change. (Photo: Ben Roberts Photo)
What a signing he has proved and it could be argued that Byram is the easiest pick out of the back four at present. Could play at right back but the 30-year-old has been excelling from left back and looks fairly sure to stay there. (Photo: George Wood)
What a signing he has proved and it could be argued that Byram is the easiest pick out of the back four at present. Could play at right back but the 30-year-old has been excelling from left back and looks fairly sure to stay there. (Photo: George Wood)
Farke basically has four live starting options for two positions in centre midfield out of Ampadu, Archie Gray, Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev but impressive simmer signing Ampadu looks top of that particular pile. Just a case of who partners him. (Photo: George Wood)
Farke basically has four live starting options for two positions in centre midfield out of Ampadu, Archie Gray, Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev but impressive simmer signing Ampadu looks top of that particular pile. Just a case of who partners him. (Photo: George Wood)
Another very hard call and a toss up between Kamara and Gray with Gruev still settling in. Gray has clearly been superb upon being handed his first team chance at just 17 years of age and there's surely every chance that he will now come back into the XI having been given a well earned rest against Watford as Kamara instead made his full debut. But Kamara quickly looked the part next to Ampadu and his experience might just give him the nod at St Mary's. (Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe)
End product has always been the key but James now finds himself at the top of the Championship's assists charts upon an impressive return to the Whites. (Photo: George Tewkesbury)
End product has always been the key but James now finds himself at the top of the Championship's assists charts upon an impressive return to the Whites. (Photo: George Tewkesbury)
Farke is without one key winger option upon Gnonto being injured but there's still a very live alternative in Jaidon Anthony who must be knocking hard on the door for a first Whites start after quickly impressing from the bench against Watford. Summerville, though, is looking in excellent fettle and it would be a big surprise if he and James did not start. (Photo: George Wood)
Plenty of eyebrows have been raised by striker Piroe appearing in a slightly deeper/no 10 role but the summer signing is already on four goals from just six games at Leeds and it's happy days as long as anything close to that excellent ratio continues. Forming a very promising partnership with Georginio Rutter in the front line. (Photo: Ben Roberts Photo)
The only thing that he was missing against Watford was a goal and there can be little doubt that the now thriving record signing will be leading the line although it would be no surprise to see the fit again Bamford make the bench and perhaps make his return as a late substitute if needed or the game allows. (Photo: Ben Roberts Photo)
The only thing that he was missing against Watford was a goal and there can be little doubt that the now thriving record signing will be leading the line although it would be no surprise to see the fit again Bamford make the bench and perhaps make his return as a late substitute if needed or the game allows. (Photo: Ben Roberts Photo)