The Leeds United squad has been revealed for Southampton as Daniel Farke weighs in on the dilemma

Daniel Farke faces two big decisions as he plans his starting XI for today’s must-win Championship clash with Southampton at Elland Road. Leeds United fans are probably tired of hearing the equation, but they need to win this lunchtime and hope Huddersfield can do the same at Ipswich for the Whites to take second place.

Regardless of what happens at Portman Road, Farke knows his side simply need to get three points. The time for rotation or formation experimentation is long gone and Leeds need nothing but their strongest possible XI today.

Of course, it is not as simple as it seems, it is rare. While Welsh striker Daniel James will miss today’s game along with long-term absentees Stuart Dallas and Pascal Struijk, there remains a doubt as to how much of a role Patrick Bamford and Connor Roberts can play.

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Both missed the damaging defeat at QPR and both have the experience to rise to a big occasion like this. Farke says he won’t risk any of the players, especially with the play-offs on the horizon.

The players underwent late fitness tests at Thorp Arch last night, with Farke admitting they expected the bruises, which meant Bamford was reduced to a spectator at Loftus Road, would have healed by now.

Elsewhere, Mateo Joseph will continue to press Joel Piroe for a starting spot, with Willy Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville likely to retain their wide roles in front of Jaidon Anthony. Ilia Gruev is expected to start in midfield, but Farke must decide whether to recall Glen Kamara and switch Archie Gray to full-back, or keep faith with Sam Byram.

Leeds United vs Southampton Squad: Meslier, Darlow, Klaesson, Gray, Rodon, Firpo, Byram, Cooper, Cresswell, Shackleton, Roberts, Ampadu, Kamara, Gruev, Gnonto, Summerville, Anthony, Bamford, Piroe, Rutter, Gelhardt, Joseph.