Progress from Oslo

One of the main takeaways from last week’s loss in Oslo was how much work stands between Leeds United and their season opener with Cardiff City. In Daniel Farke’s defence, that match took place on his eighth day in the job and since then they have buried Barnsley 9-1 behind closed doors.

Everyone will hope to see visible signs of improvement as they take on Monaco, who finished sixth in Ligue 1 last season, this afternoon. The Whites, of course, faced Monaco just seven months ago in a friendly at Elland Road and lost 4-2, if you want a yardstick for the test ahead of them today.

We can expect another 4-2-3-1 shape, as has become Farke’s preference in recent years, but will there be more success and authority with bringing the ball out from defence? Will there be more inversion from his full-backs? Will we see some chances created?

Poveda’s second audition

Unfortunately for Ian Poveda, Leeds are well-stocked with quality wingers at this point in the transfer window. It would be some statement if the Whites retained all of their wide options into September 2, but, as it stands, they are bursting at the seams.

Poveda will have been understandably discarded by a lot of fans as an option for the coming campaign after two years away on loan, but he is understood to have returned with the right attitude and work ethic this summer. The 23-year-old showed moments of promise in last week’s loss to Manchester United and seemed to be one of the few outcasts who might take their chance.

Another strong showing today will only keep heads turning.

Ampadu to debut?

Ethan Ampadu had not featured in any pre-season minutes for Chelsea before completing his move to Leeds this week. The 22-year-old has been involved in training and is expected to be available for selection today.

Where Farke chooses to play the Wales international will be interesting. While the German seems to have several different centre-back options, midfield continues to look bare. A first look at him in Leeds colours will satisfy a lot of curiosity in the stands.

Answering the number 10 question

Sam Greenwood and Joe Gelhardt were Farke’s choices in the central attacking midfielder slot against Erik ten Hag’s side last week. Each of them struggled to have a real say on that particular game, but does Farke have many natural alternatives this afternoon?

It remains one of the areas in the squad which is especially light. Given the abundance of wide options in the squad, might the manager be tempted to shuffle one of them inside?

Chosen centre-back pairing?

As with his wide areas, Farke has decisions to make in central defence. Where does Charlie Cresswell feature in his pecking order? Is Luke Ayling kept inside to make space for Cody Drameh?

How are Liam Cooper and Max Wober, arguably his best centre-backs and left-footed, utilised? Pascal Struijk and Leo Hjelde will hope for minutes too