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Predicted Leeds United line up for Hull City as Ao Tanaka and Manor Solomon miss out

-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


Leeds United will be looking to complete a league double over Hull City when they travel to the MKM Stadium tomorrow afternoon. There is a whopping 30 points and 21 places between the two Yorkshire clubs in the table.

Second half goals from Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe helped the Whites claim the local bragging rights back in August. It was their first home win of the season.

But it has proven to be a disastrous campaign for the Tigers, who currently find themselves third-from-bottom after recording just five wins in 25 matches. They have taken seven points from six outings since Ruben Selles replaced Tim Walter in the managerial hotseat but remain in deep trouble going into the second half of the season.

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"It's always tricky when a new manager comes in and brings new ideas in," said United manager Daniel Farke. "Even after a few more weeks, you see more changes. It will be a different Hull side in comparison to what we faced at Elland Road.

"They have got quality players. Of course, they will be disappointed with the first half of their season but I'm pretty sure they will try to use this home game to win important points. We are aware they will be a threat. We have to be spot on like we have been in the last away games with what we do, our team selection and set up."

Given the quick turnaround, there is every chance Farke will shuffle the pack and make a number of changes to his starting XI. He will be hoping right-back Jayden Bogle (dead leg) is passed fit to play. Max Wober is in line to replace Sam Byram on the opposite flank.

A midfield change is on the cards. Club captain Ethan Ampadu is likely to be handed a first team recall, with Ao Tanaka potentially dropping to the substitutes bench after a taxing festive period.

Farke has an embarrassment of riches in the wide areas and could freshen things up by giving run-outs to Wilfried Gnonto and Largie Ramazani. Belgian ace Ramazani was an unused substitute in the New Year's Day draw with Blackburn Rovers.

With Brenden Aaronson having started all but two of their league fixtures, expect him to retain his place in the No 10 position. Patrick Bamford and Joseph will come into Farke's thoughts up front. The pair featured in the final quarter of the contest in midweek. Joseph looked lively after being introduced and won the late penalty.

Nonetheless, Piroe is their top-scorer and it is difficult to criticise his end product in United's promotion charge. The Dutchman is in pole position to spearhead the attack.

Predicted United line-up vs Hull City (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Wober; Ampadu, Rothwell; Gnonto, Aaronson, Ramazani; Piroe.