Daniel Farke makes Patrick Bamford call in seven changes – Leeds United confirmed XI v West Brom
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has made seven changes to his Whites’ starting XI for the clash with West Brom on Saturday 17 August.
The Whites manager has restored Illan Meslier between the posts while Pascal Struijk and Jayden Bogle return to the backline having dropped to the bench against Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup.
Patrick Bamford has been replaced by Mateo Joseph who leads the line, while both Wilfried Gnonto and Dan James return to the fold out wide, replacing Brendan Aaronson and Joe Gelhardt.
The final change sees Ilia Gruv slot in alongside Ethan Ampadu as Joe Rothwell drops to the bench.
Georginio Rutter is nowhere to be seen in the matchday squad having completed his medical with Brighton ahead of a £40million move to the South Coast club this summer [Florian Plettenberg, 17 August].
Are Leeds United close to any new signings in the summer transfer window?
While this Leeds United squad is still strong, it shows just why supporters are clamouring for a few more new signings before the transfer window slams shut at the end of August.
Although the likes of Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon and Joe Rothwell have all arrived at Elland Road this summer, Farke’s side are yet to replace Crysencio Summerville and now Rutter as he closes in on an exit.
If the Whites have genuine ambitions of returning to the Premier League this term after last season’s playoff defeat, the 49ers are going to have to open their wallets and spend some money to bolster their ranks sooner rather than later.
Until then, Leeds’ focus has to be on getting their first win of the campaign. The opening two games of the campaign have left more than a little to be desired and Farke will know the pressure could mount with another defeat.
Albion are an excellent side and they won’t make life easy for the Whites, but United should have enough to claim all three points if they play anywhere near their best.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites’ stance on a move for Jack Clarke has emerged after a Sunderland exit update was shared
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