Leeds United XI picked to fix goal drought and secure Premier League survival | OneFootball

Leeds United have seven games left to safeguard their Premier League status, and yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk has set out the strongest XI it argues will reignite the attack and secure survival. Daniel Farke’s side have 33 points from 31 matches, four clear of the drop and ahead of West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur.

Goals have dried up, with Leeds failing to score in their last four league outings. An incorrect dismissal and a missed penalty call have not helped, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin has not been as prolific as before. That could shift after the break with Noah Okafor and Gabriel Gudmundsson returning.

In goal, Karl Darlow has steadied things since replacing Lucas Perri, producing excellent saves. He is more comfortable on the ball and appears to inspire confidence in those ahead of him.

At centre-back, Joe Rodon has logged more Premier League minutes than any teammate and is expected to continue. His athleticism is key, whether covering space or stepping into the hybrid right-back role used recently.

Jaka Bijol is the battle-hardened stopper and regarded as Leeds’ best box defender, while also a major set-piece threat. Pascal Struijk can defend on the front foot and, as the only left-footed centre-back, is central to build-up.

On the right, Jayden Bogle gets the nod for greater attacking punch, even with James Justin excellent this season. Bogle is comfortable advancing into a right-wing role when Rodon shifts wide.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk