Leeds United face Scottish side Hearts in a pre-season friendly on Sunday afternoon at Tynecastle Park with choices at Daniel Farke’s disposal so we tasked our club writers to name the XI they would pick
With just one week left to go until the start of the season, it seems clear that Sunday’s XI ought to be something close to the one that will start against Cardiff City next weekend. As such, I’ve gone with the side that, barring an injury return or two, I’d start against the Bluebirds right now.
Illan Meslier gets the nod in goal and I think he probably just edges out Karl Darlow for me next weekend, too, at this point in time. The Frenchman struggled for form at the back end of last season, yes, but I believe he could be a key man for Leeds, should he stick around beyond the end of the transfer window.
With Cody Drameh suffering an injury, Ayling is the obvious pick at right-back, while Charlie Cresswell and Liam Cooper looked a strong pairing against Forest the other night. Leeds are looking for centre-backs this summer but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Yorkshire-raised pair start together against Cardiff.
Sam Byram looked the part against Forest, too, and if he can perform against Hearts, he might just be in line for a deal as Leeds look to solve their left-back crisis. Ethan Ampadu starts for the third time in just over a week and I’d probably pair him up with Archie Gray once more in the middle of the park.
The 17-year-old has been impressive so far this summer and he’ll know that if he can catch the eye at Tynecastle Park, he’ll stand a great chance of getting the nod next week. Daniel Farke has shown that he is willing to put faith in youngsters throughout his career and I firmly believe that Gray could have an important role to play this season.
Luis Sinisterra and Wilfried Gnonto are probably Leeds’ two best wingers when they’re fit and firing. I’d be looking to give them both more minutes before the start of the season, while Ian Poveda has been the surprise package of the last month.
He was a joy to watch against Forest on the wing before stepping inside and impressing in the number 10 role, too. I don’t know what his long-term future might be, but right now I think he deserves another start against Hearts.
Finally, I’d give Patrick Bamford the nod once more up front with the briefing that if he impresses, he can nail down his spot for the opening day.
Will’s XI: Meslier; Ayling, Cresswell, Cooper, Byram; Gray, Ampadu; Sinisterra, Poveda, Gnonto; Bamford
