One anticipated change, eagerly awaited by many Leeds United supporters, has been implemented by Daniel Farke for today’s match against Coventry City. Ilia Gruev makes his return to the starting lineup after being sorely missed over the extended Easter weekend. Additionally, there are positive reinforcements on the bench with Wilfried Gnonto and Connor Roberts making a comeback.
Gruev’s inclusion sees Sam Byram drop to the bench, suggesting Archie Gray will likely revert to the right-back position while Gruev partners Glen Kamara in midfield.
However, the real surprises come in the substitute list, where Roberts and Gnonto make an earlier return than expected. Jamie Shackleton and Joe Gelhardt are omitted from the matchday squad, with Shackleton nursing an adductor issue and Gelhardt slipping down the pecking order. Charlie Crew is the other player to miss out.
Tom Nield will officiate today’s match, assisted by Alex James, Matthew McGrath, and Daniel Middleton. The last encounter between these two sides in the West Midlands saw Coventry City emerge victorious with a 2-1 win back in February 2012, marked by a pair of Gary McSheffrey penalties around Ross McCormack’s sole strike for Leeds.
Leeds United Starting XI: Illan Meslier; Archie Gray, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, Junior Firpo; Ilia Gruev, Glen Kamara; Daniel James, Georginio Rutter, Crysencio Summerville; Patrick Bamford.
Substitutes: Karl Darlow, Charlie Cresswell, Liam Cooper, Joel Piroe, Jaidon Anthony, Sam Byram, Wilfried Gnonto, Connor Roberts, Mateo Joseph.
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