Leeds United return to Premier League action this weekend when they visit Crystal Palace. This game now has much bigger stakes after what happened last week.
The Whites lost consecutive games in the league against Manchester City and Sunderland. Failing to pick up a point now means that Leeds have been dragged back into the relegation battle. Nottingham Forest and West Ham got great results and now Daniel Farke’s men are just three points above safety. This weekend’s game will be a crucial one when both sides meet at Selhurst Park.
Palace have won three of their last five games in the Premier League, and Leeds are winless in their last two. When both sides met at Elland Road, Daniel Farke’s men triumphed, winning by three goals.
Team news ahead of Crystal Palace clash
Leeds United come into this game with a minimal injury list; most of the first team squad will be available this weekend outside Noah Okafor. The winger is still out injured and is not in training yet. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expected to shake off his knee injury to be available on Sunday, while Joe Rodon will be available after being kept out of the Norwich City FA Cup tie.
Crystal Palace still have long-term injuries in Eddie Nketiah and Cheick Doucoure who are not ready yet, with Jean-Philippe Mateta just returning to training on grass this week. Daniel Munoz is expected to be ready to face Leeds this weekend.
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Leeds United predicted XI vs Crystal Palace
The biggest talking point this week has been Jaka Bijol, the Slovenian starred in the win over Norwich City in the FA Cup and there are calls for his return to the lineup. Graham Smyth has hinted that the center back is in contention to start against Crystal Palace. With everyone fit, the backline is expected to be Bijol, Struijk and Rodon.
Midfield is where there will be some competition, Sean Longstaff showed that he is ready to step into a first team role again. Daniel Farke will have to choose between him and Ilia Gruev. Elsewhere, Brenden Aaronson’s form has fallen off a cliff and he has been a passenger in recent appearances, he could be benched for Sunday. Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be expected to lead the line after recovering from a knock.
Leeds United predicted XI vs Palace: Darlow; Bijol, Rodon, Struijk; Bogle, Ampadu, Stach, Longstaff, Gudmundsson; Calvert-Lewin, Lukas Nmecha
