Leeds remained the minus the services of injured trio Tyler Adams, Max Wober and Stuart Dallas for last weekend’s Elland Road clash against the Eagles for which Adam Forshaw returned from a hip issue as an unused substitute.
But Whites boss Javi Gracia revealed at Friday afternoon’s pre-match press conference that Wober had been back training some days with the squad and that he was now waiting to see if the Austrian international centre-back would be able to face the Reds.
Gracia, though, also hinted at new Leeds injuries, revealing that other players were suffering from “different issues” and that some of them were not training. That makes it all a bit of a guessing game but based on the information available, this is the XI that we think will start out against Jurgen Klopp’s Reds, eight days after Leeds were walloped in the second half against Palace.
1. GK - Illan Meslier
There could be any number or manner of changes given Gracia's revelation that some players weren't training but Meslier remains clear first choice keeper even though the Frenchman has not exactly had the best time of things of late between the sticks. Photo: Stu Forster
2. RB - Rasmus Kristensen
On obvious change given the struggles of Luke Ayling in recent games. That said, Ayling has started every game so far under Gracia and it would be no surprise if he kept the faith again. But Kristensen is the call in the first of three changes. Photo: Matt McNulty
3. CB - Robin Koch
Leeds United's most consistent defender this term, certainly up until the arrival of Wober and looks sure to start at the heart of the defence assuming he is fit. Photo: George Wood
4. CB - Max Wober
It's a big if but Wober surely starts if anywhere near fit enough for a side that has conceded ten goals in the last three games that he has missed. The second change, in for Pascal Struijk, and a huge boost if he is indeed back. Whites captain Liam Cooper is also waiting as another centre-back option. Photo: Shaun Botterill
5. LB - Junior Firpo
Firpo was hooked on the hour mark against Palace but he'd just taken a blow to the face and moreover he was walking a delicate tightrope given Palace's pace given that he had already been booked. But Firpo has now cemented his place as first choice left back and looks one of the more obvious starters. Photo: George Wood
6. CM - Marc Roca
Leeds are missing their main man in midfield in Tyler Adams but, either way, Roca would be a likely starter. Photo: Alex Livesey