Leeds United team news as Daniel Farke makes one change and sees surprise inclusion

Captain Liam Cooper has returned to Leeds United’s squad for their match against Preston North End at Elland Road on Sunday afternoon, but Daniel Farke has kept him on the bench. Ilia Gruev, who was so excellent at Cardiff City eight days ago, has held off a challenge from the Scotland international to keep his spot in the XI.

Given the knock-on impact for Ethan Ampadu, the Bulgarian and Cooper were expected to compete for a spot in the starting lineup. The Wales international has been a constant for Farke and was recently switched to central defence due to injuries to Cooper and Pascal Struijk.

That freed up a spot for Gruev. Farke, who had been impressed with Ampadu’s most mature performance of the season last weekend, was clearly not eager to send him to the engine room.

The only other change to matchday 20 is Wilfried Gnonto’s absence. The Italian suffered a hip flexor injury this week and was deemed a serious doubt by Farke at Friday’s press conference. Jaidon Anthony remains with the squad despite his mother’s heartbreaking death this week.

Ampadu’s selection means he remains the only United player with an unbroken sequence of 28 consecutive Championship starts dating back to the season opener against Cardiff. Today’s referee is David Webb, who is aided by Rob Smith, Matthew Smith, and Tom Nield (the fourth official).