Leeds United will face Wrexham in their opening pre-season friendly at 12.30am UK time on Sunday, with a projected starting line-up already circulating. The squad touched down in the United States on Tuesday for a tour that also includes matches against Liverpool and Sunderland. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): Leeds finished 14th in the Premier League with 47 points from 38 games, scoring 49 and conceding 56 for a goal difference of -7, while sitting 38 points behind leaders Arsenal.
Who is in Leeds United’s predicted XI vs Wrexham?
The projected XI includes Brenden Aaronson, Gabi Gudmundsson, Ao Tanaka, Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic, with Anton Stach and Ilia Gruev back from injury. Noah Okafor is absent after Switzerland’s quarter-final exit at the 2026 World Cup. Jayden Bogle is set to start at right-back, while Jaka Bijol and Joe Rodon could partner at centre-back. Ethan Ampadu is likely to captain the side in midfield.
Gudmundsson is expected to feature later in the tour, as are Aaronson and Tanaka. Muharemovic could also come off the bench. The left-back slot may go to Jayden Lienou, with Gudmundsson waiting in the wings. The back four would leave three in midfield, with Ampadu a strong candidate to start.
Why are key players missing for Leeds United?
Okafor’s absence is down to international duty, while Darlow and Meslier have left the club. That clears the way for Lucas Perri to start in goal as Leeds pursue James Trafford. Torino’s reported interest in Perri adds urgency, leaving Alex Cairns or Darryl Ombang as potential backups if Daniel Farke opts for a different approach.
Aaronson, Gudmundsson and Tanaka are also likely to feature later in the tour, suggesting Farke may rotate heavily. Starting youngsters would be a bold call, but the squad’s depth allows for experimentation. The club’s 30-player tour group includes several who will join after the World Cup.
What’s next for Leeds United after Wrexham?
After Wrexham, Leeds will face Liverpool and Sunderland in the United States. The tour serves as Farke’s chance to assess his options across the squad, especially with several first-team regulars either injured or on international duty. The club’s pre-season schedule is a key opportunity to build chemistry before the Premier League campaign resumes.
Perri’s potential move to Leeds is still in flux, with Torino circling. If he joins, it would add competition in goal. Meanwhile, the likes of Aaronson and Gudmundsson could return to action later in the tour, giving Farke flexibility to rotate and manage workloads ahead of the new season.
