Boss Jesse Marsch made three changes to his side for the New Year’s Eve clash at Newcastle United as Tyler Adams returned from suspension to line up in a side in which Luke Ayling and Jack Harrison also came into the XI. Marc Roca, Rasmus Kristensen and Sam Greenwood all dropped to the bench from the team that started Wednesday night’s hosting of Manchester City.
Marsch then made five changes during the game itself, starting with the introduction of Roca for Forshaw during the half-time break. Harrison was then taken off for Mateusz Klich in the 64th minute before a double change six minutes later saw Ayling and Willy Gnonto replaced by Kristensen and Crysencio Summerville – the latter returning from injury.
A final change with just eight minutes left saw Rodrigo withdrawn for Joe Gelhardt. Just four days later, Leeds are back in action once more against the Hammers and this is the XI that we think will start out against David Moyes’ side in the 7.45pm kick-off at Elland Road.
Patrick Bamford and Luis Sinisterra missed out at Newcastle due to injury in addition to longer-term absentee Stuart Dallas but Marsch had been hoping that Bamford would return to training this week.
1. GK - Illan Meslier
The Iceman has made a welcome return from glandular fever for the Festive games and was brilliant between the sticks to help Leeds to a goalless draw at Newcastle. Photo: Jan Kruger
2. RB - Rasmus Kristensen
Luke Ayling was handed a start at Newcastle and you can't grumble defensively with a clean sheet but Kristensen has been first choice right back and might now return after lining up against Man City. Could be a close call though. Photo: Alex Pantling
3. CB - Liam Cooper
United's captain led from the front at Newcastle and looks certain to start again at the heart of the defence. Photo: George Wood
4. CB - Robin Koch
The German played a big part in helping Leeds to their point at Newcastle and looks all set to continue at the heart of the defence. Photo: Stu Forster
5. LB - Pascal Struijk
Leeds are closing in on the signing of RB Salzburg's Maximilian Wöber, a centre-back who has featured mainly at left-back for his side this term. That remains one to watch but, either way, Struijk, who himself is a natural centre-back, continues to make a decent fist of things at left back and will take a bit of shifting, unless he moves into centre-back longer term. For now, he is first choice left back above Junior Firpo who was an unused sub at Newcastle. Photo: OLI SCARFF
6. CM - Tyler Adams
Unsurprisingly, the USA international star made a huge difference to United's midfield at Newcastle upon his return from suspension and there can be no doubt that he is one of the first names on the team sheet. It's just a case of in what formation. Photo: George Wood