A kneejerk reaction to a Leeds United loss is always tempting. The Whites are looking to bounce back from their first defeat since September 14 when Queens Park Rangers visit Elland Road.

As mediocre as the team were at The Den on Wednesday night, the majority of the current starters were responsible for an eight-match unbeaten run which included that marvellous Sheffield United win. There is enough credit in the bank for many of these players to be given a reprieve after one poor midweek showing.

What’s more, United’s back-ups are not doing a whole lot to justify them replacing any of the current XI. Illan Meslier may have wanted to do a touch better with Millwall’s goal, but it was hardly a glaring error that should see him dropped for Karl Darlow.

Sam Byram did fine in his two recent starts, but he has not provided the same all-round performances as Junior Firpo or Jayden Bogle. The latter could have done a lot better in his duels on Wednesday, but his deliveries into the box were some of the better efforts.

The central midfielders and centre-backs are untouchable on recent form. The front four, as ever, is the department most susceptible to changes, especially after two consecutive blanks on the road.

All four have proven to be quite inconsistent since the last international break. Daniel James is still sharpening up after his recent injury lay-off and will have taken a lot of confidence from surviving the full 90 minutes in London.

The Wales international put in the best of a meagre set of displays in the capital and has to continue down the right flank. Wilfried Gnonto has frustrated, but has that star quality on his day, while Manor Solomon keeps flattering to deceive from the bench.

Brenden Aaronson remains a no-brainer in his current role ahead of the alternative, Joel Piroe, who is arguably the most at risk in this line-up. The Dutch striker was excellent in the Plymouth Argyle walkover, but failed to make any impression in the last two away trips.

Mateo Joseph never really played poorly enough to suggest he should have been dropped in the first place, but Piroe’s goals meant he couldn’t be ignored. The 25-year-old only has one in his last five now. If he blanks on Saturday, it may be time for Joseph to get another go after the international break.

Beren’s XI: Meslier; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Firpo; Tanaka, Rothwell; James, Aaronson, Gnonto; Piroe.