Peterborough Utd v Leeds Utd Match Thread
7th January@14:00hrs | Weston Homes Stadium
Daniel Farke is expected to make wholesale changes on Sunday lunchtime, as Leeds travel to Peterborough Utd in the third round of the FA Cup.
This will be the 13th time in a row that the Whites have been drawn away from home in this competition, equivalent to odds of 8192/1. The two sides have only ever faced each other ten times before, with the Whites winning seven of these. The Posh have two wins, including a one-nil victory at this very stage thirty eight years ago (1986). The last time these two teams met was almost eleven years ago when Sam Byram's 57th minute leveler earned Neil Warnock's Leeds a share of the spoils.
Sunday will give Daniel Farke an opportunity to look at some of the fringe players before making any decision about loaning them out to lesser clubs. With Meslier serving seeing out his suspension, and Darlow injured (dislocated thumb), third choice shot stopper Kristoffer Klaesson should keep his place in the starting line-up.
We could see Charlie Cresswell and Kris Moore back together at the heart of the defence, but with a loan agreement (to Hibs) in the midst, Moore may have to make do with a place on the bench, in favour of Liam Cooper. Leo Hjelde will challenge Junior Firpo for the right back role whilst fit again Djed Spence will probably start on the left, with Ayling making an emotional cameo appearance before his proposed move to Boro is finalised early next week.
Ilia Gruev should win his third start of the season, playing alongside either Archie Gray or forgotten man Darko Gyabi. Wilfred Gnonto and Jaidon Anthony have a rare chance to impress from out wide whilst Farke must choose between Poveda, Gelhardt or McGurk at 10, with Mateo Joseph probably leading the line.