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Predicted Leeds United line-up v Watford with big changes and injury return upon double setback

Lee Sobot
·4-min read
Clear first choice 'keeper and now chasing a fourth consecutive clean sheet. (Photo: George Tewkesbury)
Clear first choice 'keeper and now chasing a fourth consecutive clean sheet. (Photo: George Tewkesbury)

Whites boss Daniel Farke made two changes to his side for Wednesday night’s clash at Hull City as Daniel James and Jamie Shackleton replaced Crysencio Summerville and Sam Byram who both dropped to the bench.

But Farke was forced into making a substitution with just 21 minutes on the clock as Willy Gnonto suffered an injury, the Italian replaced by Summerville who then excelled from the bench.

Another big stumbling block presented itself on the hour mark when centre-back lynchpin Joe Rodon was sent off after picking up a second booking. Farke reacted by withdrawing both Joel Piroe and James as Liam Cooper and Jaidon Anthony were introduced, Cooper stepping out for the first time since rupturing his plantar fascia in the opening weekend draw at home to Cardiff City.

Djed Spence is facing up to eight weeks out with a knee injury and Ayling looks all set to continue at right back although probably not as captain this time. (Photo: Alex Pantling)
Djed Spence is facing up to eight weeks out with a knee injury and Ayling looks all set to continue at right back although probably not as captain this time. (Photo: Alex Pantling)

Wednesday’s contest ultimately ended in a goalless draw, after which Farke said further assessment would be needed on Gnonto who took a knock to his foot and rolled his ankle.

Either way, at least one change against Watford is guaranteed due to Rodon now serving a one-match ban and this is the Whites XI that we think will step out against the Hornets.

A full return from injury now looks on the cards for United's club captain who stepped off the bench at Hull after Rodon was ordered for an early bath. The first of three changes, replacing the suspended Rodon at centre-back. (Photo: David Rogers)
A full return from injury now looks on the cards for United's club captain who stepped off the bench at Hull after Rodon was ordered for an early bath. The first of three changes, replacing the suspended Rodon at centre-back. (Photo: David Rogers)
It's going to be quite the conundrum in defence when Farke has all of his centre backs available and likely two from three at centre-back out of Rodon, Cooper and Struijk, not forgetting Charlie Cresswell who did not even make the bench at Hull. But Rodon's one-match ban means a pretty straightforward pick this weekend of Struijk next to Cooper at the heart of the defence. Looking in good shape. (Photo: Simon Marper)
Byram dropped to the bench at Hull with Leeds looking to manage his game time but his replacement Jamie Shackleton had a tough evening at left back and Byram looks highly likely to return against the Hornets. Junior Firpo is also nearing a return which will present another selection puzzle on the left side of the defence. The second change, in for Shackleton at left back. (Photo: George Wood)
Leeds have had Kalvin Phillips and then Tyler Adams in the position as just about the first names on the team sheet over the last few years and that is very quickly proving the case with Ampadu too. Extremely impressive since his summer switch from Chelsea and just a case of who partners him. (Photo: George Wood)
Leeds have had Kalvin Phillips and then Tyler Adams in the position as just about the first names on the team sheet over the last few years and that is very quickly proving the case with Ampadu too. Extremely impressive since his summer switch from Chelsea and just a case of who partners him. (Photo: George Wood)
The 17-year-old has already set a very high bar for himself given his impressive displays upon his ascension to the first team this season and Wednesday's display at Hull did not quite reach those lofty standards. Gray has started every game so far this term and is probably due a rest so it would be no surprise to see Glen Kamara or Ilia Gruev step into the fray but both were unused subs at Hull and the gut feeling is that Farke will continue with the axis of Ampadu and Gray. (Photo: George Wood)
James replaced the benched Summerville in the starting line-up at Hull but Summerville then proved easily United's most threatening winger in replacing the injured Gnonto midway through the first half. James, meanwhile, was later swapped for Jaidon Anthony shortly after the hour mark and it wouldn't be the biggest surprise to see Anthony now start but James looks the likely call. End product key to making the most of his pace. (Photo: George Tewkesbury)
Hull will be glad to see the back of him and the Tigers often found that the only way to stop the young Dutchman was to pull his shirt. His demotion to the bench at Hull was a surprise and 'Cree' is a must for the XI based on his display on Humberside. The third change, in for Gnonto if out injured or in for James should Gnonto be fit. (Photo: George Wood)
Piroe was sacrificed at Hull as Farke was forced into a reshuffle upon Rodon's red card but there can be little doubt that Piroe will be back from the start against Watford. It's just a case of whether he plays as a no 9 or 10 although the Whites attacking system is very fluid. (Photo: Alex Pantling)
Piroe was sacrificed at Hull as Farke was forced into a reshuffle upon Rodon's red card but there can be little doubt that Piroe will be back from the start against Watford. It's just a case of whether he plays as a no 9 or 10 although the Whites attacking system is very fluid. (Photo: Alex Pantling)
Rutter squandered United's best chance at Hull when unable to convert a one-on-one but his overall display was a very good one, the young Frenchman particularly impressive with his hold up play. Chief alternative Patrick Bamford is now back in training after recovering from his hamstring injury and will soon be knocking on the door but Rutter is definitely taking big steps in the right direction. (Photo: Alex Pantling)