Leeds United team news vs QPR as Daniel Farke rolls the dice with three changes

Defeat has forced Daniel Farke’s hand with Leeds United, but so has The Football Association. Junior Firpo’s retrospective three-match ban for a late head-to-head with Danny McNamara at Millwall, sees him hauled out of the squad.

In his place, Sam Byram fills in at left-back. Just as he did at Ashton Gate when Firpo was last suspended, the United academy product will likely be needed across the next three matches.

A greater surprise is the two switches in attack. Joel Piroe has scored once in five matches and seemed to be the most at risk of Wednesday's starters, with Mateo Joseph yet to really put a foot wrong this season.

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On the wings, Manor Solomon gets his first start since September 14. The Israeli replaces Daniel James, who drops to the bench with Piroe, despite playing decently on Wednesday.

Elsewhere, Sam Chambers is restored to the bench after Firpo’s withdrawal. Joe Rodon, Ao Tanaka, Brenden Aaronson and Wilfried Gnonto all start their final games before jetting off to play for their nations in the last international break until March.

Rodon and Gnonto have picked up four yellow cards this season. They start today and will have to walk the suspension tightrope from the start of the match. The selection means Rodon is the only player still on for starting every match in all competitions this season for Leeds.

As ever, Alex Cairns is with the squad, but remains off the teamsheet. Today’s referee against the Hoops is Matthew Donohue, assisted by Paul Hodskinson, Richard Wild and Tom Nield (fourth official).

Leeds United: Illan Meslier; Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, Sam Byram; Ao Tanaka, Joe Rothwell; Wilfried Gnonto, Brenden Aaronson, Manor Solomon; Mateo Joseph.

Substitutes: Karl Darlow, Daniel James, Patrick Bamford, Joel Piroe, Josuha Guilavogui, Isaac Schmidt, Max Wober, Sam Chambers, Charlie Crew.