Monday night’s clash against Middlesbrough is enormous for Leeds United. After failing to win any of the last three Championship games and picking up just the one point, the clash tonight is must win.
Leeds come into the game having suffered defeats to Coventry City and Blackburn, drawing 0-0 with Sunderland. It leaves Leeds in third, two points behind Ipswich Town and four behind leaders Leicester.
Leicester picked up a win on Saturday while Ipswich have not been in action, with Coventry playing in the FA Cup. Southampton suffered defeat and that probably ends their hopes of a top-two finish this term.
Middlesbrough clash is now absolutely must win for Leeds United
Leeds then, go into tonight’s game with a chance to leapfrog Ipswich into second, and just a point behind Leicester but of course – we will have played an extra game. All four sides have now played 43 games.
Leeds will be without Connor Roberts, who is fighting to be fit for the final game of the season at Elland Road – when Leeds take on Southampton. Otherwise, the squad looks as strong as it possibly can be.
Luke Ayling and Sam Greenwood will be unavailable for Middlesbrough, with both on loan at Michael Carrick’s side. But, they have the momentum, having gone unbeaten in the last nine – winning five.
Daniel Farke makes two changes to side that lost v Blackburn
So, Roberts will have to be replaced and Daniel Farke has chosen to bring in Sam Byram on the right of the defence. Archie Gray remains in the middle of the park, with Glen Kamara staying on the bench.
Farke has also chosen to place his trust in Patrick Bamford up top, with Joel Piroe failing to get his name on the score sheet against Blackburn – his last goal against Coventry. Tony Dorigo said he was “superb”.
Kamara and Bamford in, Roberts and Piroe out: Illan Meslier; Sam Byram, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, Junior Firpo; Ilia Gruev, Archie Gray; Willy Gnonto, Georgi Rutter, Cree Summerville; Patrick Bamford.