Patrick Bamford call to be made for Leeds United v Cardiff after Phil Hay update today
Phil Hay has insisted there is a “big call” to make on Patrick Bamford starting for Leeds United against Cardiff on Saturday 13 January in Wales.
The England international has played second fiddle for most of the season to Joel Piroe, but has scored two in his last two against Birmingham and Peterborough.
The Athletic journalist shared that big call for Daniel Farke with more news that Charlie Cresswell, Pascal Struijk and likely Liam Cooper will be missing too.
Writing for The Athletic, Hay said: “Farke has Illan Meslier returning in goal but also selection issues at the back – Pascal Struijk out, Liam Cooper unlikely to be ready, Cresswell missing.
“A big call to make on Bamford too after a couple of goals and his screamer at Peterborough.”
Big call?
It may certainly be a big call, but based on the current form, it should be an easy one.
Bamford has found his stride again at Elland Road and it would be incredibly harsh to drop him from the starting side given his work in the final third recently.
Piroe looks to be lacking in confidence too, and given the likes of Georginio Rutter were given much-needed rests at Peterborough in the FA Cup, the Dutchman could be axed himself.
Farke is never one to overreact, but as soon as Bamford hit the back of the net with that volley last week, he will have been delighted inside that his number nine is looking back to his best.
That gives Leeds another huge option in the final third if he is running at 100%, something we haven’t really seen for years since his first season back in the Premier League.
It is a big call to make, but there is confidence that Farke will likely get it right and Leeds can pick up another huge three points on the road in this Championship race.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay revealed where he expects Archie Gray to play v Cardiff City.