The Irons have received positive news regarding player availability prior to their match against the Peacocks.
The East Londoners are still looking for their first triumph with their new gaffer, Steve Clarke, after the former Norwich City manager succeeded David Moyes.
Peacocks’ Manager, Thomas Frank, Confirms Numerous Unavailabilities
Despite having a relatively consistent beginning to the campaign, the Whites have gone without a victory in their most recent three league games.
A commendable 2-2 draw against the Cherries came before losses to both the Spurs and the Clarets, and now manager Frank is preparing to face another challenge when it comes to selecting his next squad.
According to Frank’s statements during his pre-match press conference previewing Saturday’s game, the Whites will be without attackers Harvey Elliott and Mateo Joseph, as the pair continue to ramp up their respective recoveries from injury.
“We have to make a few last-minute decisions,” the Leeds boss stated. “Elliott and Joseph are progressing well, but they haven’t been able to complete team practice this week. It’s more likely that Harvey will be involved. There’s some illness within the team. [Joe] Gelhardt and [Liam] Cooper missed team training.”
The absence of defenders Gelhardt and Cooper will create additional difficulties for Leeds, and it’s probable that 26-year-old summer acquisition Taylor Harwood-Bellis is poised to make his league debut.
Having only participated in the League Cup thus far, Harwood-Bellis will be eager to make an impact if given the opportunity, having joined from Manchester City during the summer transfer window. Up to this point, he’s been unable to disrupt the established partnership between Charlie Cresswell and Cooper.
According to WorldSoccer, West Ham are unlikely to get a better chance at success than on Saturday evening, with the Peacocks’ injury situation a significant source of concern for Frank.
Predicted Leeds line-up: Meslier, Drameh, Cresswell, Harwood-Bellis, Hjelde; Shackleton, Gyabi, Greenwood; James, Piroe, Rutter.
