Jamie Shackleton returns, 4-2-3-1: Leeds United XI predicted to face Norwich City
FLW predicts Leeds United’s starting line-up against Norwich City at Carrow Road on Saturday afternoon.
Norwich City’s form has dipped in recent weeks, winning just one of their last five matches, while Leeds United have won five of their last eight league games. Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier retained his first-choice position thanks to his talent, despite a slightly poor performance in the last defeat. Leeds’ central defensive partnership of Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk has been solid and should be maintained as Struijk is one of their best players this season. Norwich City host Leeds United at Carrow Road in the Championship on Saturday. The Canaries have enjoyed a great start to the season, but their form has dipped in recent weeks, with just one win in their last five matches. Leeds, meanwhile, have won five of their last eight league games and lost just once during that time.
The Canaries drew 1-1 with Coventry City at the CBS Arena before the international break, and Leeds have won their last two matches against QPR and Bristol City.
Daniel Farke’s side are fifth in the table, but still nine points behind second-placed Ipswich Town and 11 behind leaders Leicester City.
He will be hoping to win promotion to the second tier in the last three seasons of the Championship, having won two with Norwich in recent years. The German will return to Carrow Road for the first time since his sacking by the Canaries in November 2021.
A win could seal Leeds’ place in the play-offs and close the gap on the top two. Here’s a look at the starting line-up Farke could field as he bids for a sixth league win as Leeds manager, taking three points from his old side. Could he make some changes to his previous win?
GK: Illan Meslier
EVENING MESLIER
That position remained unchanged in the Farke league throughout the season. Leeds have no shortage of goalscoring options, but the current number one is their most talented option at the age of 23.
If he is fit, he is likely to keep his place for most of the rest of the season. Meslier wasn’t at his best in their last defeat against Southampton, but four clean sheets before that and another after means it would be absurd without injury problems forcing Farke to turn to Karl Darlow as his replacement.
RB: Jamie Shackleton
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Archie Gray started the previous game on the right against Bristol City and more than held his own, but Farke recently suggested he can handle his workload and it would be no surprise at all if Shackleton returns. a little more natural profile in the role.
The 24-year-old has been used primarily as a full-back in Farke’s system, while Gray remains at his best in midfield. Shackleton returned from injury during the international break and could feature again against the Canaries, while Luke Ayling remains an option from the bench.
CB: Joe Rodon
Championship – Millwall v Leeds United
Rodon has established himself as Leeds’ starting right-sided centre-back and alongside Pascal Struijk, Leeds have rarely scored this season. He recently returned to the game to maintain the balance between right and left foot at the heart of the Leeds defence, conceding just once in two games to partner the Dutchman before the break.
Farke will still want to lean on the leadership of Ayling or Liam Cooper, but he also shouldn’t upset the successful partnership that has been at the heart of the Leeds defence. He has better quality on the ball than Cooper and Charlie Cresswell and continues to be excellent in the air. CB: Pascal Struijk
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Another who has better quality on the ball than all of Leeds’ defensive options is Struijk and he has been one of Leeds’ main and most consistent players in the back line this season and should rightfully keep his place. The Southampton game was one where only a handful of players were honoured, including the Dutchman, who was excellent again against QPR and Bristol City.
Rodon and Struijk have a lot of promise in White and should be given time to develop if they are fit. He has been excellent so far this season and led the team at times – including in the last game. Showing that he is a growing influence in Farken’s Leeds first team dressing room at just 24 years of age. LB: Sam Byram
Sam Byram Pascal Struijk
The 30-year-old, like Farke, will return to his former club this weekend. He is a player the Germans know well and can trust in their system after their time together; However, the German will also provide some protection for Byram as he recovers from several years of injury problems.
With Junior Firpo and Stuart Dallas both training and close to returning, Farkel will have options at left back for the foreseeable future. However, his return to Elland Road has been a success so far, linking up well with his winger and providing wonderful ball down the left for Leeds. His experience shows his quality and he should keep his place even if they both return to full fitness. CM: Glen Kamara
Kamara hardly had many chances to shine, but he should keep his place in place of Gray, who looked a bit tired before the international break. The 27-year-old has impressed so far and was particularly good against Bristol City. His consistency on the ball under pressure and carrying ability make him a great option and his passing has been neat and tidy in the weave so far.
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