Leeds United squad revealed for Derby County with three players set to miss out
Leeds United are exactly where they want to be in the Championship going into the second half of the season. Sitting top of the table and with key players to come back from injury, the Whites look well-equipped to win the title.
But Daniel Farke has warned his United players to underestimate Derby County at their peril. Although the Whites ran-out 2-0 winners when the two clubs faced each other at Elland Road earlier this month, the German expects the Rams to be a very different proposition on their own patch.
"It's half time in the 46 game marathon of the Championship," said Farke. "We have to play a pretty good second half. The points tally after 23 games is amazing and if we can replicate that again then happy days. The three points at Stoke was good for the confidence but it won't help if we are not at our best when we have to deliver again at Derby.
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"We are far away from losing the ground underneath our feet. We stay humble, we stay modest and we stay hard-working. We want to keep going."
Farke is contemplating rotating his squad for their final match of the calendar year. Ao Tanaka, Wilfried Gnonto, Largie Ramazani and Mateo Joseph could all come into Farke's thoughts if he decides to freshen up his attacking options.
It seems unlikely Max Wober will be involved. The Austrian international is still struggling to shake off a knee injury. He has not featured in their past two matchday squads against Oxford United and Stoke City.
Left-back Junior Firpo (hamstring) and Ilia Gruev (knee) remain unavailable for selection.
Leeds United squad vs Derby County: Meslier, Darlow, Cairns, Bogle, Struijk, Rodon, Struijk, Debayo, Schmidt, James, Gnonto, Ampadu, Rothwell, Tanaka, Guilavogui, Crew, Solomon, Ramazani, Aaronson, Piroe, Joseph, Bamford, Gelhardt.