Leeds United are set for a crucial match upon their return from the international break as they prepare to host Burnley at Elland Road.
Both teams, having undergone significant player departures over the summer, are among the favorites for automatic promotion this season and currently sit in the top six. With the match just a week away, Leeds still have several players on international duty.
Manager Daniel Farke will be hoping all his players return fit, mindful of last season’s setback when injuries to Wilfried Gnonto, Connor Roberts, and Ilia Gruev during the March break hampered their promotion efforts.
Here’s our predicted lineup for the upcoming game:
**Goalkeeper:**
Illan Meslier, one of the few not away on international duty, will start in goal, having kept three consecutive clean sheets.
**Defence:**
Jayden Bogle and Pascal Struijk will join Meslier in defense. Struijk, returning from injury last month, has benefited from the recent break. Joe Rodon and Junior Firpo still need to navigate their international fixtures, but both will start if available. New signing Isaac Schmidt might make his matchday squad debut following his deadline-day move from FC St. Gallen.
**Midfield:**
Farke might consider starting Ao Tanaka for his full debut after a promising cameo against Hull City. However, he is likely to stick with the Ethan Ampadu-Gruev partnership if they return from international duty in good health.
**Attack:**
Farke may need to make adjustments in attack, especially with Brenden Aaronson involved in a midweek international fixture with the USA. Given the early morning game and Leeds’ Saturday lunchtime match, Aaronson might not be fully fit to start. If Dan James recovers from his hamstring injury, he could replace Aaronson, potentially shifting Gnonto inside. Manor Solomon and Mateo Joseph will complete the attacking lineup.
**Predicted XI:** Meslier; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Firpo; Ampadu, Gruev; James, Gnonto, Solomon, Joseph
