Rothwell in: The predicted Leeds United XI to face West Brom | OneFootball

FLW predict the starting lineup for Leeds United against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns on Saturday afternoon.

Leeds United travel to the Hawthorns on Saturday lunchtime to face West Bromwich Albion for their second league game of the season.

Promotion to the Premier League is the priority for Leeds this season after finishing third in the Championship with an impressive 90 points last season, which saw them narrowly miss out on automatic promotion.

Daniel Farke's side drew a thriller 3-3 at Elland Road on the opening day against newly promoted Portsmouth, and he will be hoping for a winning start on their travels with a tough trip to Carlos Corberan's side, as Leeds aim to go one better than their play-off final defeat to Southampton this term.

A damaging cup defeat to Middlesbrough in midweek, on top of concerning transfer news emerging surrounding outgoings, has left the club in a difficult spot prior to the trip to the midlands. There had been an air of optimism surrounding Leeds as they entered the new season, but that has quickly extinguished this week.

Farke will likely opt with as much continuity as possible against West Brom, which Leeds are largely able to field through a number of players remaining from last season. Outside a minor issue for Max Wöber, Farke confirmed his side are injury-free in his pre-match press conference.

He made a number of changes for the cup game, but here, we take a look at the starting lineup Farke could put out for Leeds' first away game of the 2024/25 campaign against West Brom. What changes might he make from the league draw with Portsmouth last time out?

GK: Illan Meslier

Illan Meslier has been Farke's go-to goalkeeper since his arrival at the club, featuring in almost every Championship fixture last year, and should continue to do so for the coming season as the new vice-captain.

RB: Jayden Bogle

No one would argue that Bogle is a player that is better than Archie Gray, or with a higher ceiling. However, his athleticism and ability to overlap should bring more balance to Leeds next season at right-back. He has vast experience of promotion battles out of this league and should be a vital player this season.

CB: Joe Rodon

Joe Rodon has been outstanding for Leeds since signing on loan from Tottenham and will always start on the right-side at the heart of Leeds' defence when fit. His permanent deal came at just the right time for the Whites, after an imperious first season at the club, despite the loss of Gray in the process. He struggled against Boro but will hope to get back to his best against the Baggies.

CB: Pascal Struijk

Pascal Struijk is an accomplished player in possession and was one of Leeds' most consistent players in the back line before his injury last season. He forms a rock solid partnership alongside Rodon and may take the armband on occasion as well, having seen his role in the dressing room grow over the last year.

He has scored in his last three games for Leeds and will hope to keep that streak going at the Hawthorns, where goals were few and far between in games between the two sides last season.

LB: Junior Firpo

The shortage of specialist options at left-back for Leeds is certain to see Junior Firpo maintain his place in the starting lineup, having been one of few who continually impressed during a tricky ending to the league season last year. He is essential for building up and interplay down the left-hand side.

CM: Joe Rothwell

He impressed in his cameo appearance against Portsmouth, and was one of the better players against Middlesbrough on Wednesday evening, despite the manner of the defeat. Joe Rothwell brings more balance to Leeds' midfield pivot than Ilia Gruev and may start to make the position his own in the coming games.

CM: Ethan Ampadu

Ampadu featured impressively at both centre-back and in holding midfield last season, and was rewarded with the club's Player of the Year award for his sheer consistency and reliability, irrespective of where he is asked to start. He is now the club captain at the age of just 23, having been virtually ever-present last season, and should be the deeper of the two midfield players in his best role for Leeds this season.

RW: Dan James

Dan James has been a constant outlet and source of goals for Farke, despite the German not starting the speedy winger in every game last year, given Leeds' wealth of options. He will have a big part to play again this season, and it will be interesting to see how his combination play with Bogle develops in the early fixtures.

CAM: Joel Piroe

The forthcoming loss of Georginio Rutter to Brighton is a difficult one for Leeds and their fanbase to stomach, and is likely to hand Joel Piroe another start on Saturday. It's a certainty that Leeds look to acquire an alternative playmaker, but they will have to operate with Piroe or Brenden Aaronson for now in his absence.

LW: Willy Gnonto

Crysencio Summerville's departure is another tough one to take, but could see Willy Gnonto play his best position on the left this season and thrive, with a goal against Portsmouth on opening day just the start. The 20-year-old Italian's ability one-vs-one, flair, and dynamic with other forwards could be crucial in any game when one moment of inspiration can make you a match-winner.

CF: Mateo Joseph

As the new season kicks off, all eyes will be on young striker Mateo Joseph and whether Farke sticks with him after an impressive pre-season as the club's top scorer. There is a growing belief that he is ready to make a significant impact as the line-leading centre-forward ahead of Patrick Bamford. His link-up play and intensity were extremely impressive against Pompey, and he has earned his chance to start again.