Bournemouth away looms for Leeds United this Saturday as Daniel Farke looks to build on our encouraging start to the season.
A limp draw away to Sunderland last time out has taken the wind out of plenty of the Leeds fanbase this week, it seems. It was a stalemate that could’ve been converted into three points with a bit more ambition.
However, Leeds sit seventh in the table as things stand, with plenty of cause for optimism. Up next, we face a Bournemouth side who look to have turned a corner.
Leeds United team news pre-Bournemouth: Nico Elvedi fit, Joe Rodon back in training
Daniel Farke’s pre-match press conference was delivered on Thursday, as he delivered a couple of major updates in defence.
Joe Rodon has returned to some parts of team training this week, but this game comes too soon for his comeback. Elsewhere, Nico Elvedi has shaken off the illness that ruled him out vs Sunderland, so he’s fit.
Anton Stach’s foot issues from last week persist, and it leaves him in doubt. However, attacking duo Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor are raring to go after a full week of full training.
Here, I share my predicted XI for Leeds’ trip down to the south coast against Bournemouth…
Goalkeeper: James Trafford
In goal, James Trafford’s stock continues to rise through his own good performances. Also, he’s helped by the toils of the man favoured over him at Man City.
Trafford was the shining light of that pretty abysmal spectacle at the Stadium of Light. And, he’s likely to be put to the test by this Bournemouth side that have plenty of goals in their locker.
The Cherries have the third-highest xG and big chances this season, so Trafford may be busy once again.
Defence: James Justin, Nico Elvedi, Tarik Muharemovic
In defence, I think you have to give credit where it’s due when you come away with a clean sheet. That being said, I don’t think Jaka Bijol made it a particularly tough decision for Farke on whether he keeps his place over Nico Elvedi.
Bijol was strong in defending his box, but had a few wobbly moments. Meanwhile, Elvedi doesn’t seem to be letting slip when he plays.
As usual, James Justin’s presence on the right side of this back three is crucial while Rodon isn’t back in starting contention.
The same can be said of Tarik Muharemovic, who is just mustard. What a player.
Midfield: Jayden Bogle, Sean Longstaff, Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, Gabriel Gudmundsson
At wing-back, there obviously isn’t a decision to be made. From our outfielders against Sunderland, Jayden Bogle felt to me like the only one taking real responsibility when trying to create anything, and it’s a testament to him, as much as it was an indictment on our overall performance. Gabriel Gudmundsson will have his work cut out on the left against Brazilian sensation Rayan.
In midfield, I think the Harry Wilson, Brenden Aaronson trial was a complete failure, so reverting to a three-man midfield is the way to go. And, with Stach not quite at his sharpest, I do think that Sean Longstaff might get the nod. His impressive cameo at Sunderland shouldn’t be blown out of proportion, but this game might be where he gets his chance.
Importantly, Longstaff scored home and away against the Cherries last season. We could do with someone arriving late in the box. Of course, Ethan Ampadu holds down the midfield and Ao Tanaka keeps his place, in my opinion.
Attack: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor
Up front, Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s injury scare was a reminder of how important he is to the side. And while he wasn’t nearly at his best against Sunderland’s makeshift back line, let’s hope he’s back to his best here.
Bournemouth, for all their quality in attack, aren’t the best defensively, with 13 goals conceded compared to our six.
Ideally, Noah Okafor is going to be back in the starting lineup, you’d imagine. As a result, Leeds’ attack should look a lot more potent.
Even with the Swiss winger not at his best this season, he’s still a massive upgrade on those behind him in the ranks.
Full Leeds United predicted XI to face Bournemouth
Trafford; Justin, Elvedi, Muharemovic; Bogle, Longstaff, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson; Calvert-Lewin, Okafor.
