Daniel Farke has some big selection calls to make for Leeds United’s clash with Rotherham United this afternoon.
The Whites will have Connor Roberts available for the first time since his loan from Burnley on deadline day as he has missed the last two games.
Leeds played 120 minutes in treacherous conditions at Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday night, so Farke may have to be a little cautious with some of those who played the full game.
Dan James, Pascal Struijk and Karl Darlow also remain out, although Jamie Shackleton could be fit enough to return from illness.
Here is our prediction for the Leeds game.
Goalkeeper:
Illan Meslier is someone who played 120 minutes but will start in goal again this afternoon.
Defence:
Farke will no doubt be tempted to give Roberts his first start in white, but the fact that Archie Gray only came off the bench in the 71st minute is a big indicator that he’ll be back from the start.
On the other hand, Junior Firpo is one of those Leeds have to be careful with during their injury problems this season, and having played every minute on Tuesday, it might be a wise decision to rest him. Sam Byram starts.
In central defence, Ethan Ampadu is likely to return in place of Liam Cooper after being rested for the first time this season. Joe Rodon is, of course, alongside him.
Midfield:
With Gray and Ampadu likely to play in defence again, the centre pairing almost picks itself.
Glen Kamara impressed in the 71 minutes he got against Plymouth, but Ilia Gruev was Leeds’ standout player on the night and deserves to start again.
Attack:
With James absent, Willy Gnonto is likely to start on the right again. Gnonto suffered a slight knock on Tuesday but Farke didn’t mention anything in his press conference, which is a big hint that he’s healthy.
The 20-year-old is actually the only player from Plymouth’s front three who will keep his place, with Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter and Patrick Bamford returning to start.
Predicted XI: Meslier; Gray, Rodon, Ampadu, Byram; Gruev, Kamara; Gnonto, Rutter, Summerville; Bamford.