Summerville is out, and the expected lineup for Leeds United against Southampton is 4-2-3-1.
Here’s how Daniel Farke may just decide to structure his side tomorrow afternoon…
Daniel Farke is not likely to make many adjustments to the lineup from the team that humiliated Watford in a spectacular 3-0 victory at Elland Road the previous weekend.
Of course, the adage “never change a winning team” is valid in many respects, but we don’t think the Germans will follow it exactly before their match against Southampton tomorrow.
The matchup looks promising because both teams were recently demoted from the Premier League, both were among the front-runners for potential promotion during the offseason, and both possess plenty of attacking firepower – even though Southampton’s defensive issues have yet to be resolved.
With that in mind, and with the game starting in just under 24 hours, let’s look at how Farke might choose to proceed.
There is absolutely no threat to the Frenchman’s position between the sticks.
He hasn’t given up in more than a month and has kept four straight clean sheets, so he’s pretty much a lock to start on the south coast.
In this role, Jamie Shackleton hasn’t hurt his chances much thus far, but we do believe Farke will make some changes, and this is the first of those.
He might favor Ayling’s vital experience playing dangerous wide players like Sam Edozie and Kamaldeen Sulemana from Southampton.
Cooper’s season began with an injury against Cardiff City, although he has just made a comeback.
Since the captain hasn’t given up a goal in either of his first two games back, he’s likely to get the start twice in a row.
Struijk, who has been a constant for Farke thus far this season, will almost definitely be his partner.
Anything other than a start is completely improbable because he has played every minute of league football that was available.
Byram is also starting to play a significant role in the proceedings, which should definitely allow him to keep his position on Leeds’ left side of the backline.
He improved his cause against Watford by scoring his first goal since rejoining the team.
This is one of the decisions that feels a little less clear, but it would still be surprising if Farke left him out for tomorrow’s matchup.
When everything is said and done, the summer acquisition will likely continue where he left off against Watford.
Ampadu is one Leeds player that is unquestionably essential.
He was a summer signing as well, and he has used every minute that has been made available.
His ability to control the tempo and his poise on the ball will be crucial in assisting Leeds counter a team that, under Russell Martin, is quite clearly obsessed with possession.
It feels as though the Welsh winger may finally be starting to realise his potential at Leeds.
He terrorised his opposite number for the Hornets by setting up two goals – taking his assist tally up to four from just six matches – and is surely undroppable for tomorrow, too.
Leeds will be looking to angle a high-press and counter-attacks, both of which James excels in.
Playing just behind the striker will likely be Joel Piroe.
He’s already enjoyed a blitzing start to his Elland Road career by scoring four times in his first five games, and he’ll be a big part of anything that Leeds do positively from an attacking standpoint tomorrow.
This is where the other change comes in.
Dropping Crysencio Summerville may be viewed as a bold choice, and while there’s no denying that he was lively in the win over Watford, Anthony came off the bench to score.
That’s been his role in the team since arriving on loan from Bournemouth on deadline day, but it’s surely the right time for him to receive a first start now.
Rutter’s mesmerising performance against Watford has given him real credit, and having him lead the line in Hampshire feels certain.
He’s hitting a real rich vein of form for the first time in his Whites career and is combining excellently with the aforementioned Piroe too, so there’s little doubt about how he’ll be utilised against the Saints.
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