Solomon or Ramazani to start? The predicted Leeds United XI to face Burnley on Saturday | OneFootball

FLW predict the starting line-up for Leeds United against Burnley at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon.

Leeds United play host to fellow promotion hopefuls Burnley at Elland Road this weekend, as two of the Championship's early promotion favourites go head-to-head.

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. However, Burnley have the same aspirations, with the quality in their squad to match it.

It may be Leeds' sternest test yet, but Burnley signed off for the season’s first batch of internationals with a 1-1 draw at home to Blackburn Rovers and have put in some mixed performances so far after winning impressively in their opening two league fixtures and have accrued seven points in four games.

They are now winless in the last two, though. However, Leeds and Daniel Farke are the opposite after consecutive impressive 2-0 wins prior to the international break against Sheffield Wednesday and Hull City to get their season properly kick-started.

Farke has confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Dan James has aggravated his hamstring issue this week during his rehab, and is now set for four weeks on the sidelines. Not only that, but Max Wöber is likely to remain out. The good news is that Patrick Bamford has been able to train this week after missing the last few fixtures.

Despite some major losses in the transfer market, there has been an air of optimism surrounding Leeds as they enter the new season. They can now focus solely on the football on the pitch and not worry about the futures of their best and brightest stars, which will come as a relief to many involved with the club.

The likes of Ao Tanaka, Manor Solomon, and Largie Ramazani made their debuts prior to the recent break, but Farke could call upon Isaac Schmidt who was not registered in time for the previous league game. However, he will likely opt with as much continuity as possible against the Clarets from the win against the Tigers.

Here, we take a look at the starting line-up Farke could put out for Leeds' third home game of the 2024/25 league campaign against Scott Parker's side. What changes might he make from the win over Hull?

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, especially with three clean sheets in a row now recorded for Leeds' No.1 stopper.

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 after starting every league game so far.

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 early on in the campaign but has been back to his best in the last couple of games.

CB: Pascal Struijk

Has there been a better performing Leeds player so far this season? 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 is a player growing by the game and perhaps with a point to prove after a bad injury curtailed his season last year.

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 line-up for most of this season, 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 as he is the only left-footed player in the squad for that role.

CM: Ilia Gruev

Ilia Gruev's retention as the anchoring midfielder was crucial at times last season, with his metronomic passing keeping Leeds ticking over, and he has been one of Leeds' best performers since coming into the side. The Whites rely on a player of his type to keep the ball in the opposition half as often as possible. Gruev's role could change this season or Farke could opt for Joe Rothwell or Ao Tanaka as the No.8 in time, but not just yet with the Bulgarian impressing.

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. Saturday will also be his 24th birthday, and a goal to celebrate would not go amiss for Leeds.

RW: Willy Gnonto

Crysencio Summerville and Goerginio Rutter's departures are tough ones to take, but could see Willy Gnonto step up this season and thrive as one of their main men, 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.

CAM: Brenden Aaronson

Brenden Aaronson may not be the specialist line-breaking passer Leeds fans wanted to be their playmaker, but he brings plenty of upside to the side both out of possession and has genuine quality at second tier level. With two goals already, and the athleticism and agility to get the better of most defenders as well, Aaronson has the opportunity to make the position his own after Rutter's exit.

LW: Manor Solomon

Solomon has quality, that much is certain after some impressive flashes against Hull, including notching an assist for Mateo Joseph's opener. He may not be the same type of player as Summerville, but Leeds and Farke will hope his fitness can withstand to be a real difference-maker this season in their attack, and to offer plenty of output through both goals and assists. Ramazani will be breathing down both his and Gnonto's neck for his chance, with Leeds having seriously strong options out wide in 2024/25.

CF: Mateo Joseph

As the new season kicked off, all eyes were on young striker Mateo Joseph and whether Farke would stick 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 Bamford. His link-up play and intensity have been extremely impressive, but three of Leeds' last four goals have come through Joseph, and he warrants another chance to prove himself again.