Injuries sustained by Leeds United players during the international break have prompted adjustments in Daniel Farke’s lineup. Ilia Gruev and Wilfried Gnonto are sidelined due to injuries, while Junior Firpo’s travel arrangements relegate him to the bench.
Additionally, Connor Roberts’ injury sustained with Wales sidelines him completely, with Sam Byram, Liam Cooper, and Daniel James stepping in to fill the gaps.
Seventeen-year-old Charlie Crew earns his first senior squad inclusion after impressing Farke in training and with the under-21s, securing a spot on the bench.
Archie Gray is poised to retain his position at right-back, while Ethan Ampadu is separated from Joe Rodon in defense, likely pairing up with Glen Kamara in midfield, thus making way for Cooper in the backline.
With Firpo absent, Byram is expected to assume duties at left-back, while James is likely to occupy the right-wing, a position previously held by Gnonto. Fortunately, Georginio Rutter has recuperated from hernia surgery in time for tonight’s match at Vicarage Road.
The referee for today’s clash against Watford is David Webb, assisted by Rob Smith, Bhupinder Singh Gill, and Ben Toner as the fourth official. The last encounter between these two teams in Hertfordshire was in April 2022, during a crucial battle for Premier League survival, with Leeds United emerging victorious with a commanding 3-0 win.
Leeds United’s lineup features Illan Meslier in goal, with Archie Gray, Joe Rodon, Liam Cooper, and Sam Byram in defense. Ethan Ampadu and Glen Kamara anchor the midfield, while Daniel James, Georginio Rutter, and Crysencio Summerville form the attacking trio behind Patrick Bamford.
On the bench, Karl Darlow, Junior Firpo, Charlie Cresswell, Joel Piroe, Jaidon Anthony, Jamie Shackleton, Joe Gelhardt, Mateo Joseph, and Charlie Crew provide backup options for Farke’s side.