With the Leeds squad looking relatively healthy at the minute, lets take a look at what our XI would look like if we only chose players who are on the fringes, injured or simply just out of form:
Best of the rest:
(GK) Darlow:
The former Newcastle man has not yet featured for Leeds in the league this season, which may have surprised some fans if they were told that back in late July when he was signed. It was expected he would slot in as first choice, however IIIan Meslier was trusted in the opening game against Cardiff and has been reliable between the sticks since. He has four clean sheets in his last four games and is starting to look an assured presence again. Unless there is a major drop in form, you would expect him to retain his place for the season.
(RB) Dallas:
It was confirmed by the club last week that Dallas has returned to full first team training, which has delighted fans of the club. The much-loved Northern Irishman is a fan favourite and his return is eagerly awaited. He will need time to bed back in and get up to speed and there will be caution around his progress. If he can manage to regain the form he showed prior to his injury he will certainly give Daniel Farke soemthing to think about. One to keep an eye on.
(CB) Cresswell:
Leeds boy Charlie Cresswell has had a tough start to the season and does not appear to be heavily part of Daniel Farke’s plans at centre half. He has made a few appearances, mostly as a substitute and is well behind in the pecking order at Elland Road. If Leeds remain injury free in that area of the pitch, another loan move in January might be the best option for him this season.
(CB) Hjelde:
After a tough start to the season playing at left back, Hjelde appears to be out of Daniel Farke’s plans recently and like Cresswell, is well down the pecking order in terms of the starting 11. It was expected that he would challenge for a starting berth this season, but his early outings suggest he may not be up to it. With cover at centre half looking healthy, another loan move could also be on the cards.
(LB) Firpo:
Firpo has yet to appear in white this season after sustaining a torn lateral ligament injury to his knee. It remains to be seen if he will be part of Daniel Farke’s plans this season when he returns. Sam Byram has debutised well at left back and it will be hard to shift from that position should he stay fit. The drop in division may suit Firpo however and may give him a chance to regain some form if he gets some regular game time.
(DM) Gruev
New summer signing llian Gruev is yet to hit the ground running for Leeds this season, with limited game time coming his way so far. The strength of Farke’s options in the centre of midfield leaves Gruev with a fight on his hands for game time, but with more midweek games coming up he may be given more minutes on the pitch. Out of all the players on the fringes, he is the one fans will be most excited about seeing more of.
(CM) Gyabi
After some below-par cup appearances this season, Darko Gyabi looks a little frozen out under Farke. There were hopes that he would be much closer to the starting XI this season, but it now looks more like he will play a bit part role, if he plays at all. Again, the quality of options at Farke’s disposal in the centre of midfield will leave it difficult for him to make an impression. A loan move to Fleetwood Town broke down in the summer and this may be a route he chooses to revisit in the near future.
(AM) Poveda
23-year-old Poveda had a very promising start to the season and looked set to play a role for the forthcoming season. He has struggled for game time over the last month however, as the signings of Piroe and Anthony have pushed him further down the list of attackers. The return and form of Dan James has also been a factor.
(F) Gelhardt
The once golden boy of the Bielsa regime, Gelhardt has lost his way somewhat recently. He has failed to make an impact off the bench and has yet to start a league game this season. The arrival of Joel Piroe and impressive form of Georginio Rutter has left the young striker fighting for game time. A loan move could be on the cards again and he wouldn’t be short of suitors from the Championship.
(F) Bamford
It seems like an age since we have seen Patrick Bamford on the field for Leeds. Injuries have got the better of him over the last two seasons, but he will in no doubt be eager to return to the fold. Fitness depending, Bamford is a player who knows the Championship well and could yet play a big part in the push for promotion. The goal scoring form of Piroe may also be a good thing for the one cap England international, as the intense pressure to find the back of the net will not weigh solely on his shoulders
(F) Jospeh
Joseph is a young player with a lot of potential, but much like Poveda and Gelhardt, he will find minutes tough to come by this year. The Spanish born attacker has shown glimpses of his capabilities in a Leeds shirt and is worth keeping in the squad. With the games coming thick and fast, he may have a part to play at some point.
