Anton Stach’s injury might instigate a shuffling of the pack in midfield while how match-ready Jaka Bijol is remains a question
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
07:30, 05 Feb 2026
Anton Stach has been a mainstay in Daniel Farke’s side(Image: James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
If there is one area of the pitch that some Leeds United fans may feel needs changing for Friday’s clash with Nottingham Forest anyway, it is perhaps in midfield.
Ethan Ampadu is undroppable, while Anton Stach has been a mainstay since returning from injury, yet he is out for the next two games with a hip injury. Ilia Gruev has started the last six games, but his last two showings have left a bit to be desired.
After picking up a yellow card against Everton, he was the first player to be replaced and he was hooked at half-time against Arsenal as Daniel Farke enacted a formation change. So perhaps giving Sean Longstaff a start on Friday would be beneficial.
His ability to find Joe Rodon in the box from dead balls was a feature of the first half of the season. But also, his more powerful physique and hardiness in the tackle could help Leeds dominate the midfield battle.
Brenden Aaronson could drop back to fill the other midfield slot, with the American then pushing out to the right wing when in possession. With Lukas Nmecha unlikely to make the cut with his hamstring issue, Noah Okafor could partner Dominic Calvert-Lewin up top with Okafor moving out left once Leeds have the ball.
Meanwhile, some debate has to be had around the goalkeeper given Karl Darlow’s shaky performance against Arsenal – though Farke’s dropping of Lucas Perri would indicate he is reluctant to make the swap back until there is a sustained period of poor form from the Welshman.
Jaka Bijol is back in first team training after three weeks out, though only from yesterday and therefore a starting XI selection might be a big ask. James Justin has shaken off his toe issue and is available, so he might start at right centre-back again.
That would mean Rodon stays in the centre of a back three and Pascal Struijk remains on the left. Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson will occupy the flanks and help.
Meanwhile, Daniel James might make the bench for the first time since November, having returned from his hamstring injury.
Predicted XI: Darlow; Justin, Rodon, Struijk; Bogle, Aaronson, Ampadu, Longstaff, Gudmundsson; Calvert-Lewin, Okafor.
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