Leeds United predicted XI vs Brighton, Sam Byram call, captaincy decision and attacker’s big chance | OneFootball

Leeds United face Brighton on Sunday in their final home game of the season with injuries dictating a makeshift XI. Here is the XI we think makes most sense.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Leeds were already without Gabi Gudmundsson, Noah Okafor and Ilia Gruev before Monday at Tottenham Hotspur, when Pascal Struijk was a hip doubt. He started, but Jayden Bogle and Facundo Buonanotte then missed out with hamstring issues, and Struijk was forced off. On Friday Farke said captain Ethan Ampadu had been ill, and Buonanotte is ineligible to face his parent club, leaving seven players out or doubtful.

In goal, Karl Darlow appears set to keep his place.

Dan James may continue at right wing back given Bogle and Gudmundsson are out, though he struggled. Sam Byram has played only seven minutes this year, so starting him feels unlikely, while Willy Gnonto is another possibility. It would be a big chance for James if selected.

Joe Rodon is a straightforward pick, most likely as part of a back three.

With Struijk a major doubt, Jaka Bijol surely starts and would probably be in the XI anyway.

If Struijk does not make it, Sebastiaan Bornauw looks the obvious replacement.

James Justin is expected at left wing back, though he could cover centrally if Struijk is out. Leeds are short at full back, and he could wear the armband if Struijk and Ampadu miss out. He looks certain to start, only his position is in question.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk