By Peter Lynch

25th May, 2023 | 8:40am

Patrick Bamford out, Rodrigo decision made - Leeds United predicted XI v Tottenham

Leeds United manager Sam Allardyce could make two changes to his starting XI for the Premier League clash against Tottenham on Sunday (28 May).

The Whites go into the game having lost 3-1 to West Ham last Sunday (21 May), leaving the club in real danger of being relegated to the Championship.

They currently sit 19th in the Premier League table, two points from safety ahead of their final match of the season.

Allardyce is expected to continue with the experienced Joel Robles over youngster Illan Meslier in goal, with the former impressing since the new manager came in, despite the frustrating results.

And the manager is predicted to go with the same back four that lost to the Hammers, with Luke Ayling and Pascal Struijk operating at right-back and left-back respectively.

Rasmus Kristensen and Max Wober meanwhile are expected to continue at centre-back, in what will be a busy afternoon for Allardyce’s defence.

Moving into midfield, it could be a last Whites appearance for Weston McKennie, with the American predicted to start ahead of his expected return to permanent club Juventus.

In a midfield three, Adam Forshaw and Robin Koch should get the nod once more from the start, with that midfield trio set to play a key role in the difficult encounter with Tottenham.

But due to injuries, there looks certain to be changes from Allardyce in the final third, with Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo both doubts for the huge clash.

As noted by Phil Hay (22 May), there is still a chance that the latter will be passed fit, but it would certainly be a gamble from Allardyce to hand him a start.

That could see Wilfried Gnonto and Brenden Aaronson come in for rare starts in their place, with the duo predicted to line out alongside Jack Harrison, who will retain his place in the starting XI.

In other Leeds United news, a Joe Gelhardt “keep or sell” verdict has been shared by one local journalist.