Leeds United travel up to Sunderland on Sunday, aiming for maximum points against the side currently sitting bottom of the Premier League.
United’s start to the season has undoubtedly been very encouraging. Those looking for more will want to see better creativity in the final third, along with converting some hard-earned draws into wins.
So, facing the side occupying the foot of the table this Sunday represents a big opportunity for Daniel Farke and his side.
Leeds United injury news pre-Sunderland: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Anton Stach, Noah Okafor doubts
There were murmurings online that Dominic Calvert-Lewin could be a doubt for this game. The Leeds striker, who scored our leveller, was chopped from behind late on against Man Utd and appears to have felt the effects.
Farke’s pre-match press conference confirmed the striker has been struggling with a bruised foot and is therefore a doubt for Sunday.
Not only that, but attacking duo Noah Okafor and Anton Stach are also doubts due to an adductor and foot issue, respectively. Farke wasn’t able to commit on their availability. Instead, he noted that if the game were played on Friday, none would be fit, but there are two days until our game.
Elsewhere, Dan James is back in training and in contention, while Joe Rodon remains absent.
Here, I share my predicted XI for Leeds United’s trip to Sunderland…
Goalkeeper: James Trafford
James Trafford didn’t have a great deal to do against Man Utd beyond being beaten for Bryan Mbeumo’s smart finish. His distribution was better, though, which is ideal.
Away to Sunderland, there’ll be an onus on him to play out from the back. We’re facing a side that are happy to not have the ball too and that should bring Trafford into it.
I’d expect set-pieces to be a key factor in this game with neither side currently really creative in open play. So, Trafford’s commanding presence will be crucial.
Defence: James Justin, Nico Elvedi, Tarik Muharemovic
In defence, the prospect of Brian Brobbey being fit to return means that we should be considering fighting brick wall with brick wall, meaning Jaka Bijol could start.
That said, I just can’t see Farke dropping Nico Elvedi. The Swiss defender has barely put a foot wrong, and was again one of the standouts against them lot.
Either side, I think James Justin will be another crucial figure with Leeds hoping to have more joy in playing a bit more football than we have in the last two games.
On the left, we know Tarik Muharemovic is going to start. And, he could show the Sunderland fans why they were so foolish to say we overpaid for the Bosnian in the summer.
Midfield: Jayden Bogle, Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, Gabriel Gudmundsson
If Leeds are to win this game, we need to get a grip on what should be a fascinating midfield battle. The Black Cats may be bottom, but boast a midfield trio of Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki and Enzo Le Fee. They have European quality right there.
There’s legs and ability on the ball that Leeds need to match. So, it would’ve been a trio of Anton Stach, Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka. But, Stach’s injury means I think he’ll drop out, having been out of form anyway.
At wing-backs, Leeds need energy and thrust in wide positions to create chances right now. The quality of Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson should cause plenty of problems for the home side.
Attack: Harry Wilson, Lukas Nmecha, Brenden Aaronson
With Stach out, it opens the door for Harry Wilson to make his way back into the starting XI. Let’s not kid ourselves, Wilson has been disappointing so far, not even for the lack of quality, but the lack of responsibility on the ball.
Away at Sunderland, a side he assisted against at the Stadium of Light last season, he needs to stamp his mark. We’re waiting for that influence.
On the left, I can’t see Okafor starting with a muscular issue that has kept him out of training all week. So, I do think Farke goes for the security of Brenden Aaronson.
I’d love him to go bold with Jean-Matteo Bahoya, but is anyone expecting that? I’m certainly not.
Up front, I want to think Calvert-Lewin will be fit, and a bruised foot isn’t devastating. But, I do think Lukas Nmecha might have to start here.
I like what Nmecha brings to the table, but he’s got a big job on his hand to prove he can lead the line in the same manner. Calvert-Lewin, meanwhile, can’t be risked for further aggravation, a big injury is catastrophic for us.
Full Leeds United predicted XI to face Sunderland:
Trafford; Justin, Elvedi, Muharemovic; Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson; Wilson, Nmecha, Aaronson.
