Daniel Farke has a number of decisions to make to his Leeds United starting line-up ahead of Tuesday night’s clash against Sunderland – and one of those is whether to start striker Patrick Bamford up top.
Leeds will be looking to bounce back after a woeful result away at FA Cup semi-finalists Coventry City on Saturday, which has seen The Whites drop to third in the Championship table – outside of the top two.
The return to Elland Road comes at the perfect time, but Leeds come up against a side that have already beaten Leeds this term – Jobe Bellingham scoring the only goal of the game at the Stadium of Light.
Connor Roberts was touted for just a second League start by Phil Hay, before Farke said in his presser on Monday that he was a doubt. Willy Gnonto is also a doubt, with the duo pulled out of training on Sunday.
Patrick Bamford’s Leeds form is coming under the microscope
Ethan Ampadu is also a possible absentee, for the first time this season. Farke said the Wales star is unwell at the moment and that could see him miss Tuesday night. It might be that Farke has a few decisions.
Another is whether to start Patrick Bamford. The 30-year-old missed a glorious chance to score against Coventry on Saturday, and he has now gone four games without a goal. He came off after 66 minutes.
Speaking in his presser on Monday as per the club’s YouTube, Farke dismissed doubts over a perceived lack of form from Bamford – reminding he does not bring just goals. But, he said he could focus more.
“Do not underestimate what he is giving to the team. Patrick is a special player. We don’t need to change it. I learnt this. I wanted to see more in training. I had to learn it’s more like Patrick’s natural appearance.
“Tall guy, with his movement, naturally self-confident. Elegant, top class. He covered more distance than any offensive player on Saturday. Could be more focused, don’t underestimate what he is doing for us.”
Faith in Bamford is more important than ever for Leeds, now
Five Cup finals left for Leeds and Bamford is the man, Farke is seemingly tasking with spearheading the attack. Last season, Bamford was that man too, the man to save Leeds. But fans got on the striker’s back.
It must be remembered that Bamford has still scored seven goals in 14 Championship games since the turn of the year. Leeds fans have got to place their faith in the striker now, rather than get on his back.
Mateo Joseph has been excellent in patches, but the youngster has not been tried from the start and with five games left – it is a risk to throw him in, Joel Piroe’s form has been poor. Bamford must start.