Leeds Face Burnley Without Injured Gudmundsson as Farke Rings Three Changes

Key facts

• Leeds United host Burnley at Elland Road on Friday evening, kick-off 8pm.
• Daniel Farke has made three changes to the Leeds XI that lost to Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday.
• Gabriel Gudmundsson is out with a hamstring injury and will miss at least the next two games.
• Noah Okafor is a doubt after a calf knock; Jaka Bijol is also questionable with hip flexor problems.
• Burnley interim manager Michael Jackson names the same XI that lost to Manchester City nine days ago.
• Leeds are five unbeaten in the Premier League ahead of the match.

Farke Rings Changes After FA Cup Heartbreak

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has made three changes to the side that lost against Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday. Goalkeeper Lucas Perri, defender Gabriel Gudmundsson and midfielder Brenden Aaronson are replaced by Karl Darlow, James Justin and Anton Stach, who returns from a spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury. The Leeds XI: Darlow, Bogle, Struijk, Bijol, Rodon, Justin; Tanaka, Ampadu, Stach; Okafor, Calvert-Lewin. Substitutes: Perri, Byram, Bornauw, Longstaff, Aaronson, James, Gnonto, Piroe, Nmecha. Farke's changes come as Leeds look to extend their five-match unbeaten run in the league. The Whites return to Premier League action after their FA Cup exit, welcoming Burnley to Elland Road under the lights.

Gudmundsson Sidelined, Okafor and Bijol Doubtful

Farke delivered an injury update ahead of the match, revealing that Gabriel Gudmundsson has suffered a hamstring injury. "It's also a bit of a serious injury, he will definitely miss the game on Friday and also, as it stands, the Tottenham game and then we have to see," the boss said. "Of course we try to bring him back as quick as possible, especially at this stage of the season, and I hope he can feature then in one of the last two games. But as it stands, the next two games we will have to play without him." On the rest of the squad, Farke added: "Everyone is fit and available. There are, after last game and the cup, also one or two question marks. Noah Okafor got a hit against his calf, there's a question mark behind his availability. Also Jaka Bijol was dealing with some problems with hip flexors, so I hope to have them both available but I can't tell you now if it's possible."

Burnley Unchanged After City Defeat

In the opposite dugout, interim Burnley manager Michael Jackson has named the same XI that lost to Manchester City in the Premier League nine days ago. The Clarets' lineup: Dubravka, Walker, Humphreys, Ekdal, Esteve, Hartman; Laurent, Ward-Prowse; Anthony, Flemming, Tchaouna. Substitutes: Weiss, Worrall, Ugochukwu, Edwards, Florentino, Pires, Amdouni, Broja, Hannibal. Jackson's decision to stick with the same side suggests continuity despite the defeat, as Burnley seek to bounce back at Elland Road.

Leeds Unbeaten Run Meets Burnley's Resilience

Leeds come into the match on the back of a five-game unbeaten streak in the league, a run that has lifted them up the table. The defeat to Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final was a setback, but Farke's side have shown resilience in domestic competition. Burnley, meanwhile, are looking to recover from their loss to Manchester City. The interim manager Michael Jackson has kept faith in the same starting eleven, hoping for a different outcome against a Leeds side that has proven difficult to beat. The match kicks off at 8pm on Friday, with free highlights available shortly after full time.

What the Result Means for Both Sides

A win for Leeds would strengthen their position in the Premier League and extend their unbeaten run, building momentum for the final stretch of the season. For Burnley, a positive result could ease pressure on interim manager Jackson and boost survival hopes. With key players like Gudmundsson missing and others doubtful, Leeds will rely on depth and the return of Anton Stach. Burnley's unchanged lineup suggests a tactical approach aimed at stability and defensive solidity. The outcome at Elland Road could have significant implications for both clubs as the season enters its decisive phase.

The bottom line

• Leeds make three changes from the FA Cup semi-final defeat, with Darlow, Justin and Stach coming in.
• Gabriel Gudmundsson is ruled out with a hamstring injury for at least two games.
• Noah Okafor and Jaka Bijol are fitness doubts ahead of the match.
• Burnley interim manager Michael Jackson names an unchanged XI from the loss to Manchester City.
• Leeds are five games unbeaten in the Premier League, while Burnley seek to recover from a defeat.
• Kick-off is at 8pm on Friday at Elland Road, with free highlights available after full time.