Shackleton and Rutter are not included in Leeds United’s lineups against Millwall, and the team’s entire debut
We asked our club writers to name the starting XIs they would choose for Sunday’s Championship match between Leeds United and Ipswich Town.
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Beren Cross
Despite all the calls for fresh additions and a week off to get the new players warmed up, I wouldn’t change a thing about the Leeds United team that drew Sheffield Wednesday. Although not very impressive, Millwall has the players to win the game.
The front four are included in the slight change I would implement. Georginio Rutter actually switched to the right flank while Joel Piroe pushed to the front of the attack in my side.
Their center combination may have succeeded at Portman Road, but two weeks ago, it was hopeless when up against the Owls backline. Rutter would be carrying the ball, showing off his skill by cutting in from the right flank and onto his left peg, while Piroe would be my focal point and six-yard-box poacher.
As Farke has stated, Crysencio Summerville has demonstrated his ability to play through the center, behind a striker. In the background, Archie Gray’s peaceful two weeks keep him on the team.Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev will have their turn, but the 17-year-old has excelled this semester and is continuing with the goal of maybe sitting out Hull.
Despite Liam Cooper having a little more time to recover in training owing to Djed Spence’s injury, Luke Ayling should remain captain, in my opinion. While Jamie Shackleton has been dependable at left-back and will likely want to make a positive first impression at his temporary home from the previous season, Sam Byram was a tempting alternative.
It is tantalizing to see a bench that includes Karl Darlow, Charlie Cresswell, Cooper, Byram, Kamara, Gruev, Jaidon Anthony, Daniel James, and Ian Poveda.
Meslier, Ayling, Rodon, Struijk, Shackleton, Gray, Ampadu, Rutter, Summerville, Gnonto, and Piroe make up Beren’s starting lineup.
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This coming Saturday at Millwall, Daniel Farke will be hoping to have a more composed team, but I don’t think he’s quite there yet, especially in terms of the attacking positions. I predict that there will be frequent switching and chopping over the next weeks, especially with six games left to play in the upcoming month.
This time, I would modify two things. Djed Spence is listed as a major doubt, thus Luke Ayling is given the go-ahead to start at right-back. His experience could be crucial in the face of The Den’s anticipated boisterous atmosphere.
Despite Liam Cooper’s fitness, Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk appear to have a defensive connection that is worthwhile maintaining. If Sam Byram is deemed well enough to start, he should replace Jamie Shackleton at left back in my opinion despite the latter’s efforts in the previous game.
Glen Kamara, who gained considerable playing experience while serving Finland on international service, is the player I’m most interested in watching develop in the center. He might be the ideal defensive partner for Ampadu in the middle of the field, assuming the number eight position and moving around while the Wales international plays at the position of six.
However, I am curious to see how Archie Gray performs in a more advanced attacking midfielder role rather than dropping him. The young player has experience playing in the front four at the under-21 level, and with time, his ball control and technical proficiency may allow him to go farther forward.
Gray can be the player Leeds is looking for—someone who can thread passes, sit in the pocket, and make the decisions. Joel Piroe and Wilfried Gnonto will bring the firepower to finish the opportunities he could generate, and Crysencio Summerville will provide support in key areas.
In the second half at The Den, Jaidon Anthony can have a significant impact. Late in the game, Georginio Rutter’s speed against weary legs might also be crucial.
Meslier, Ayling, Rodon, Struijk, Byram, Kamara, Ampadu, Summerville, Gray, Gnonto, and Piroe make up Will’s starting lineup.
In a related development:
No future at the club – 26-year-old will complete permanent Leeds exit
Since former owner Andrea Radrizzani opted to part ways with former manager Jesse Marsch, Leeds United has arguably been a team in transition.
It was never really going to work to replace him with Javi Gracia for a disastrous stint and then try one last time with Sam Allardyce, so the fact that they were relegated from the Premier League shouldn’t have been a surprise.
Three different coaches in a short period of time, each with their own opinions on how the game should be played, is a formula for disaster, and after the team’s relegation to the Championship was confirmed, it would have seemed inevitable that players would start to leave in droves.
Marc Roca, who is currently enjoying himself at La Liga team Real Betis, was one among those that left.
In fact, his loan move to the Verdiblancos has gone so well thus far that Estadio Deportivo has stated that both teams have already put a lot of effort into looking to make the move permanent.
Although a permanent arrangement is not currently on the table, the fact that it appears to have been extensively discussed suggests that it is really a formality.
From Daniel Farke’s perspective, it would be advantageous to know who he might and might not have available well in advance of the summer transfer season.
The turmoil of recent months is the last thing the German needs, presuming he is still the manager.
