Leeds United v Plymouth Argyle Match Thread
4th Round FA Cup - 27th January@15:00 | Elland Road
Leeds face their second match in less than 72 hours, with the arrival of Plymouth Argyle in the fourth round of the FA Cup, at the weekend.
The two sides last met in November (at ER) when Dan James and Joel Piroe were on target to ensure a narrow win for Daniel Farke's side; yet the Pilgrims have proved to be no pushovers! With two wins and two draws so far this year, the Pilgrims are starting to build momentum, and have moved clear of the relegation dog fight.
Leeds have won all five games in 2024, and have only conceded once. They'll be keen to keep this record intact for as long as they can, but will be concentrating their efforts on the league.
Injuries to Archie Gray and Dan James are not as serious as first feared. Both took knocks during the midweek win over Norwich, and may be out for several weeks. In particular, the Leeds medical team had feared that Gray had torn his ACL, but tests since have shown bruising and swelling only.
After finding himself on the bench over the last three or four games, Joel Piroe may get recalled to the starting XI, allowing Patrick Bamford a break. Having scored in four of his last five games, Daniel Farke will want to keep the 30yo fresh for the visit of Bristol City a week on Friday!
Wilfred Gnonto has returned from his hip injury, and may be preferred over Jaidon Anthony to replace Dan James on the right wing. With Karl Darlow suffering from a dislocated thumb, Kristoffer Klaesson could start his third game of the season, should Farke decide to rest Meslier.
Liam Cooper is pressing for game time, which would give Ethan Ampadu some well deserved time off. The ever present midfielder has been filling in at centre back for Pascal Struijk, who has a groin strain. Sam Byram and Jamie Shackleton will fight it out for the vacant right-back slot, with Junior Firpo likely to keep his place on the left.