The Whites aim to pull clear of the relegation dogfight during the second half of this season, beginning with a positive result at the City Ground this Sunday when Jesse Marsch’s men take on Nottingham Forest. Premier League actions resumes following Leeds’ FA Cup Fourth Round triumph last weekend, which striker Patrick Bamford dubbed a ‘welcome distraction’ following his double-assist display at Accrington Stanley.
Leeds’ club-record signing Georginio Rutter made his Whites debut at the Wham Stadium, while fellow new addition Max Wober also featured, having joined from FC Red Bull Salzburg at the beginning of the window. Weston McKennie made it three senior arrivals on the penultimate day of the January transfer period, adding much-needed depth to the midfield after Mateusz Klich’s departure.
Should Leeds exercise the USMNT man’s purchase option as they are expected, he will surpass £28 million Georginio Rutter in becoming the club’s record buy, at the £30 million mark.
Here is the YEP’s strongest Leeds United starting XI and substitutes bench when all players are fit and available.
1. Leeds United squad huddle
LEEDS, ENGLAND - AUGUST 21: Players of Leeds United huddle prior to kick off of the Premier League match between Leeds United and Chelsea FC at Elland Road on August 21, 2022 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) Photo: Catherine Ivill
2. GK: Illan Meslier
The Whites' stopper has not missed a Premier League game since the final match of the 2020/21 season. Enough said. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) Photo: Gareth Copley
3. RB: Luke Ayling
Ayling has replaced summer signing Rasmus Kristensen in the starting XI of late, and does not look as though he'll be relenting any time soon (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) Photo: Gareth Copley
4. CB: Robin Koch
Robin Koch is the club's best-suited right-sided central defender and now with Diego Llorente's departure, is a certainty to remain in that role for the remainder of the season - provided he isn't injured or suspended, as he is this coming weekend (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) Photo: Gareth Copley
5. CB: Max Wober
Left-sided central defender Max Wober arrived last month to little fanfare but has already demonstrated his steadiness at the back. Leeds did not concede during the first 200 minutes the Austrian spent on the pitch. (Photo by GEOFF CADDICK/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: GEOFF CADDICK
6. LB: Pascal Struijk
Despite Junior Firpo's return to form and a first goal for the club last weekend, Pascal Struijk remains first-choice left-back in Jesse Marsch's squad, owing to his consistent performances during the opening half of this season (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) Photo: Gareth Copley