I can't see Leeds United getting weaker - their Championship title rivals should be very worried

When both Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev suffered serious knee injuries in the space of four days, there were genuine fears that could seriously derail Leeds United's promotion bid.

Ampadu and Gruev are two classy operators at Championship level, featuring prominently in their run to the play-off final last term. Their defensive nous and ability to keep things simple in possession freed up players such as Wilfried Gnonto, Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville to weave their magic at the top end of the pitch.

It was a big blow to Daniel Farke to lose Ampadu and Gruev between September and October. Their injury problems left the Whites boss without a natural holding midfielder.

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But Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell have acquitted themselves well since coming together in the centre, helping the Whites record four wins from their past eight outings. Although the pair are comfortable as No 8s, Tanaka and Rothwell have sacrificed some of their attacking instincts for the benefit of the team. Neither Tanaka nor Rothwell have shirked their defensive responsibilities.

As an added insurance policy, Farke recruited Josuha Guilavogui on a free transfer to give them more midfield strength in depth. The genial Frenchman has settled in well to life at Elland Road. He made his second appearance for the club in Saturday's home win over Queens Park Rangers.

The Whites went into the international break in third position, two points off Championship leaders Sunderland. “Leeds United are absolutely still my favourites for the title despite their injury problems," EFL expert Don Goodman told Gambling Zone. "They've dominated pretty much every game they've played, even the ones they have lost, with the possible exception of the second league game of the season against West Bromwich Albion.

“There's nothing obviously wrong at the moment. The only worry is that they're missing a few chances and are without key players. But look how well Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka have done in the absence of Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu. They've been phenomenal and the rest of the league will be worried by the fact that Leeds are only going to get stronger.

“They're two points off the top and you can't see them getting weaker, so they'd absolutely be my favourite”