Leeds United has agreed personal terms with exceptional defender for the…
Captain Liam Cooper has returned to Leeds United’s squad against Preston North End at Elland Road on Sunday afternoon, but Daniel Farke has held him back to the bench. Ilia Gruev, who was so impressive eight days ago at Cardiff City, has seen off the challenge of the Scotland international to retain his place in the XI.
The assumption had been it would be a toss-up between the Bulgarian and Cooper for a place in the starting line-up, given the knock-on effect for Ethan Ampadu. The Wales international has been ever-present for Farke and recently moved to central defence because of the injuries to Cooper and Pascal Struijk. That opened up a berth for Gruev. Evidently, Farke, impressed with last weekend’s most mature performance of the campaign, was not desperate to return Ampadu to the engine room
The only other alteration to the matchday 20 is Wilfried Gnonto’s omission. The Italian developed a hip flexor issue this week and was considered a major doubt by Farke in Friday’s press conference. Jaidon Anthony continues with the squad despite the tragic death of his mother this week.
The selection means Ampadu continues as the last United player with an unbroken streak of 28 consecutive starts in the Championship, going back to the opening day against Cardiff. Today’s referee is David Webb and he is assisted by Rob Smith, Matthew Smith and Tom Nield (fourth official). Leeds United: Illan Meslier; Archie Gray, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, Junior Firpo; Ilia Gruev, Glen Kamara; Daniel James, Georginio Rutter, Crysencio Summerville; Patrick Bamford.