Leeds United line up vs Harrogate Town with Daniel Farke set to ring the changes for FA Cup tie
Tomorrow will be the first competitive meeting between Leeds United and Harrogate Town. The Championship leaders welcome the Sulphurites to Elland Road looking to avoid an FA Cup upset.
There will be a number of personnel changes as the Whites look to book a place in the fourth round of the competition. "We will rotate a bit more than for a league game but we want to go through," stressed United manager Daniel Farke. "We need to find a balance not to risk injured players but have a strong starting line-up on the pitch."
Farke, the winner of the Championship manager of the month award for December, has already confirmed Karl Darlow will replace Illan Meslier in goal. The German gave an impassioned defence of Meslier at his pre-match press conference following the Frenchman's latest high-profile gaffe in Saturday's draw at Hull City. "It's fair to say he had a poor game against Hull and his mistake for the second goal was decisive," admitted Farke.
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"There were a few games where he could have and should have done better. There were perhaps one or two strikes where you would expect a player of his calibre could save it when he is on the top of his game.
"I spoke with Illan about this and although he has had many clean sheets and many good saves he could show this with more consistency. It's important to be honest and open."
Farke has got options in the full-back department should he wish to freshen things up. The tie could be the perfect opportunity to give Jayden Bogle a rest. Sam Byram can be utilised on the right side of the back four, with summer recruit Isaac Schmidt given a run-out on the opposite flank. If Schmidt is not involved, it does beg the question why did United sign him in the first place? With Pascal Struijk unavailable for selection, Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon are likely to continue their partnership at centre-back.
As for central midfield, Josuha Guilavogui is in line to be handed a start. It is a chance to rest Ao Tanaka after a busy period and play Guilavogui alongside Joe Rothwell in the middle of the park.
It is highly likely Farke will rotate his wingers. Wilfried Gnonto and Largie Ramazani are pushing for recalls.
Given the lack of options in the No 10 position, Brenden Aaronson may retain his place and be tasked with supporting Mateo Joseph in the final third.
Predicted United XI for Harrogate (4-2-3-1): Darlow; Byram, Rodon, Ampadu, Schmidt; Guilavogui, Rothwell; Gnonto, Aaronson, Ramazani; Joseph.