Farke drops 25y/o ace in three key changes – Predicted Leeds United XI v QPR

Leeds United will be aiming to bounce back to winning ways when they take on QPR this weekend at Elland Road in the Championship. 

The Whites suffered an unexpected 1-0 defeat against Millwall away from home in their previous game, and if they fail to secure a comfortable victory against QPR, then questions may be asked of Farke.

Leeds failed to build on their momentum after beating Plymouth Argyle 3-0 last Saturday, and the Whites must ensure that the blip in midweek was just another bad day in the office.

It must hurt Leeds because other promotion challengers, Sunderland and Burnley, dropped points, and the Whites couldn’t capitalise on it.

QPR are struggling at 23rd place in the table, and this is a perfect game for the Whites to build confidence ahead of the international break.

Daniel Farke confirmed yesterday that his side hadn’t suffered fresh injuries, but he would make late decisions on a few players.

Here’s the predicted Leeds XI for this game.

Goalkeeper

Illan Meslier has conceded only five goals in the past nine games, and he has been really solid at the back.

He is the first-choice keeper at the club, and Farke has put enormous faith in his abilities.

Defence

Jayden Bogle started in the previous game against Millwall after returning from suspension.

He didn’t make any interceptions and lost the ball 12 times. The 24-year-old defender also failed to win a single aerial duel and only won two out of nine ground duels.

Farke must bring back experienced Sam Byram into the starting line-up.

Pascal Struijk, Junior Firpo and Joe Rodon should retain their places.

Midfield

With Ethan Ampadu not returning before the end of next month at the earliest, the onerous burden has fallen on the shoulders of Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell.

However, Josuha Guilavogui has impressed in recent games, and he could make his first start against QPR.

He made his debut in the win over Plymouth and could be given a chance from the start to impress, with Rothwell making way for him.

Attack

Willy Gnonto and Dan James were pretty ordinary at the Den. But the duo can destroy any side in the Championship if they find their rhythm, and Farke wants more from them.

Piroe scored against Plymouth and scored five goals in the championship. However, this is also the best time for Farke to bring Mateo Joseph into the side in place of the 25-year-old just to freshen up the squad.

Predicted Leeds XI: Meslier; Byram, Rodon, Struijk, Firpo; Tanaka, Guilavogui; James, Aaronson, Gnonto; Joseph.