Daniel Farke has left Pascal Struijk out of his Leeds United line-up for this afternoon's Championship clash with Cardiff City - but Junior Firpo has been handed a first team recall

Centre-back Struijk has missed the last three games due to a hamstring injury but returned to team training on Tuesday, and the manager had outlined on Thursday that he was in contention to feature this weekend. He is named on the bench and Firpo, meanwhile, gets his first start of 2025.

The left-back missed seven games over the festive season due to a foot problem but returned to action against Harrogate Town in the FA Cup last month. His first appearance in the league since his return came against Norwich City, when he came on as a substitute.

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The Leeds back line otherwise stays the same. Illan Meslier has started every league game and continues his streak in goal today, while the in-form Jayden Bogle is in undroppable from at right-back. He begins his 10th straight Championship match.

Joe Rodon has played nearly every minute of the Championship campaign and, like Meslier, extends his feat of beginning every league match. Ethan Ampadu continues to partner him in the centre of defence with Struijk benched.

There is one change in midfield with Joe Rothwell coming back in for Ilia Gruev. Rothwell was replaced by Gruev for the full 90 minutes against Burnely on Monday.

Ao Tanaka is given the nod again alongside him in the centre. The Japan star has started all but one Championship fixture since October 1, so reliable has his form been.

The front four stay the same. Joel Piroe might be top scorer for Leeds with 10 goals but has netted just once in his past six outings. His last goal at Elland Road came back in November against Luton Town.

Farke spoke this week of placing trust in his strikers and the manager has kept his faith in Piroe for this afternoon. Daniel James registered the only shot on target between both teams in Monday's goalless draw with Burnley - the live-wire starts again today.

Manor Solomon had a quiet game on the other flank at Turf Moor but his two goals and three assists in his last five games sees him beginning at left wing once more. Farke has conceded that he does not have a direct back-up to Brenden Aaronson at the moment, so it is no surprise to see him begin his 28th consecutive league match.

With Cardiff keeping just one clean sheet in their last 17 league games, United's attackers may be spying the chance to bolster their numbers this afternoon.

Starting XI: Meslier; Bogle, Rodon, Ampadu, Firpo; Tanaka, Rothwell; James, Aaronson, Solomon; Piroe.

Subs: Darlow, Byram, Wober, Struijk, Gruev, Guilavogui, Ramazani, Gnonto, Joseph.