Leeds Utd v Leicester City Match Thread
Leeds will be looking to extend their winning run to nine, against high flying Leicester City on Friday evening, for the top of the table clash at Elland Road
The Whites (along with Liverpool and Manchester City) are the only unbeaten sides at home in the entire football league, but face a rampant Foxes side, well on their way to smash the hundred point barrier this season.
Leeds beat Enzo Maresca's side back in November, thanks to Georginio Rutter's close range tap in, after Sam Byram's headed effort was only parried away from Hermansen. Illan Meslier pulled off an extraordinary save from Dewsbury-Hall in the dying minutes to deny the hosts a share of the spoils.
Leeds have not completed their double over Leicester City since the 94/95 season, but with arch nemesis Harvey Barnes now at Newcastle, the Elland Road faithful can breathe easier. Barnes netted six times in eight appearance for Fridays visitors, four more than Jamie Vardy!
Patrick Bamford will undergo a late fitness test before Daniel Farke names his starting XI. The 30yo tweaked his calf in the pre-match build up at Swansea, and has missed a fortnight of action - Joel Piroe stands by.
As mentioned in the award winning Breakfast Debate, it's going to be another fortnight until Pascal Struijk returns to training, so once again Ethan Ampadu will drop back in central defence alongside Countryman Joe Rodon.
Sam Byram (hamstring, Stuart Dallas (leg) and Karl Darlow (dislocated thumb) remain sidelined. Daniel Farke may surprise everyone, and drop Archie Gray in favour of specialist right back Connor Roberts, who is a more dangerous player going up and down the right wing.
Leicester welcome back Kelechi Iheanacho after International duty with Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations. Wilfried Ndidi (thigh) misses out whilst defender Ben Nelson is carrying a knock.