Early predicted Leeds United XI to face Watford: One change as Georginio Rutter faces fight to be fit

Leeds United, a professional football club based in Leeds, England, is gearing up for their next match against Watford. The team has been dealing with a few injury concerns, with Junior Firpo and Georginio Rutter both facing fitness issues. Firpo is currently on international duty with the Dominican Republic and will return just two days before the Watford game, while Rutter has undergone minor surgery on a hernia and is fighting to be fit for the match.

In the absence of Firpo, Sam Byram is expected to start at left-back. Byram has been a regular in the Leeds squad and will likely fill in for Firpo until he returns from international duty.

Rutter, a forward for Leeds, has been dealing with a hernia that has been troubling him for several weeks. The club initially predicted that he would be fit for the Watford game, but his recovery might be delayed due to the surgery he underwent.

Leeds United’s goalkeeper, Illan Meslier, is expected to start in the match. Meslier has been a consistent performer for the team and will likely continue his impressive form in the upcoming game.

In defense, Archie Gray is predicted to start at right-back. Gray made his debut for England’s U21s and returned in good health, ready to start against Watford. Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu, both crucial to Wales’ hopes of qualifying for the EUROs, will also be in the lineup, with Leeds hoping for no injuries.

In midfield, Glen Kamara, who lost to Leeds’ Welsh quartet in his last international match, is expected to be refreshed and ready to play against Watford. Ilia Gruev, who still has another friendly with Azerbaijan to get through, will start if he pulls through.

Upfront, Crysencio Summerville and Patrick Bamford are predicted to start. Both players have had a break from international duty and will be well-rested for the Watford game. Willy Gnonto, who has one more Italy U21s game to play, is expected to start if he recovers from his international duties. Dan James, who has been playing well as a super sub, is also likely to feature in the match.

In summary, Leeds United’s predicted lineup for their match against Watford includes Illan Meslier in goal, Archie Gray and Joe Rodon in defense, Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev in midfield, and Crysencio Summerville, Patrick Bamford, and Willy Gnonto in attack. The team is dealing with a few injury concerns, particularly with Junior Firpo and Georginio Rutter, but they are hopeful that all players will return from international duty in good health.