A look at the options Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has at his disposal for tonight’s must-win Championship match with Middlesbrough at the
Leeds United’s Connor Roberts, left, is poised to miss the next two Championship matches (Image: PA)
Leeds United will be looking to halt their three-match winless run when they visit Middlesbrough tonight as the promotion race nears its thrilling climax. The scrap for a top-two finish could go down the final day.
But the Whites have to get their campaign back on track at the Riverside Stadium. Only three points will do following a disappointing run of results since the international break.
United have won just one of their last four away league matches against Boro (D1 L2), though that sole victory did come on their last visit to Teesside in February 2020 (1-0). However, Middlesbrough enter the televised clash in good form, having gone nine matches without defeat to climb back into the top half of the Championship.
Read more: ‘I thought Leeds United would coast the title and they’re still the strongest in promotion race’
On the challenge of facing Boro, United chief Daniel Farke said: “I expect them to be highly motivated and not expect them to feel pressure, with nothing to lose now.” Farke’s team have acquitted themselves well on the road of late, losing just one of their past eight fixtures (W5 D2) away from Elland Road and keeping five clean sheets in the process.
Farke will be unable to call upon Burnley loanee Connor Roberts due to a muscle problem. The right-back is expected to miss the trip to Middlesbrough and Queens Park Rangers this week.
Jamie Shackleton resumed team training over the weekend but is unlikely to be considered for selection following a spell on the sidelines. Centre-back Pascal Struijk is a long-term injury absentee.
Leeds United squad for Middlesbrough: Meslier, Darlow, Klaesson, Gray, Rodon, Firpo, Byram, Cooper, Cresswell, Ampadu, Kamara, Gruev, James, Gnonto, Summerville, Anthony, Bamford, Piroe, Rutter, Gelhardt, Joseph.
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