Whites boss Jesse Marsch will definitely have to make at least one change as striker Rodrigo dislocated his shoulder during Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw at home to Everton and the Spanish international is now set to be sidelined until after the September international break.
But Marsch revealed at Thursday afternoon’s pre-match press conference that Luke Ayling, Liam Cooper and Junior Firpo were all back in training following their recent injuries in addition to Patrick Bamford who returned to action as a second-half substitute against the Toffees.
Longer term absentee Stuart Dallas is now one of just two players out for Leeds in addition to Rodrigo and this is the XI that we think will take to the field for Saturday’s 3pm kick-off against the Bees.
1. GK - Illan Meslier
More good saves in midweek against Everton and the impressive 22-year-old Frenchman is streets ahead as first choice 'keeper. Could arguably already be considered United's best player or certainly one of them. Photo: Catherine Ivill
2. RB - Rasmus Kristensen
Luke Ayling is finally back in training but a place on the bench surely awaits for Ayling after such a long time out. It will be interesting to see who starts at right back when both Ayling and Kristensen are fully fit. Photo: Henry Browne
3. CB - Robin Koch
Whites boss Jesse Marsch said Koch had possibly been United's best player so far this season at Thursday's pre-match press conference. The German is finally getting a decent run in his natural position, but who will partner him now that Cooper is back? Photo: Michael Regan
4. CB - Liam Cooper
Marsch revealed at his pre-match press conference that Cooper was the closest to being ready to start of the players returning to training and also hailed the captain's all-round influence. Cooper might still only return to the bench but it's pretty clear he'll be starting when fit enough and there must be a strong chance he will come straight back in and replace Diego Llorente at Brentford, especially considering Brentford's threat at set pieces. Photo: Stu Forster
5. LB - Pascal Struijk
The fact that Struijk has received a first ever call up to the senior Netherlands squad says it all. The 23-year-old is clearly not a natural left back and Junior Firpo is now back knocking on the door but Struijk is making a decent enough fist of things at left back and looks sure to start at Brentford. Photo: Henry Browne
6. CM - Tyler Adams
The new midfield lynchpin produced another fine display against Everton having dipped a bit against Brighton but that went for the Leeds team as a whole. Already one of the first names on the team sheet. Photo: Michael Regan