George Overhill

Thu 28 September 2023 13:35, UK

Patrick Bamford is “not in a perfect rhythm” but is in contention to be in the Leeds United squad to face Southampton, says Daniel Farke.

The Whites boss revealed in his pre-match press conference on Thursday (28 September) that the English striker is “back and highly motivated to be involved on the pitch” after his latest spell out injured.

Bamford, 30, hasn’t yet featured under Farke, who has also confirmed that Willy Gnonto had “quite successful” surgery and remains out, as does Junior Firpo and Djed Spence, but there are “no injuries, that’s definitely good news”.

On a roll

It appears to be the ideal time for Leeds United to be heading to their fellow relegated rivals given the form that Farke’s side has hit on and the turmoil at St. Mary’s.

A win for the Whites has been tipped to possibly lead to a Russell Martin removal, with four-straight defeats for the Saints heading into this one.

But neither is he a bad manager or Southampton a bad team, so Leeds can’t rock up assuming the game is already won as it could still easily turn into a tough one.

Even when Farke has been obliged to rotate is side of late, either because of injury or suspension, his defensive record has continued to improve, with four clean sheets on the bounce now – an unthinkable prospect for most of the past two years.

The attacking unit has been more hit and miss, but when it has hit it has looked fantastic, so if they can click on the south coast it will be a daunting prospect for the hosts, with Georginio Rutter, Joel Piroe and Dan James flourishing recently.

It took time to break down Watford last time out, but the second-half onslaught saw the Whites run out comfortable winners, and if they can add to their current unbeaten run on Saturday (30 September) then confidence in and around the club will continue to grow.

In other Leeds United news, a Whites-linked full-back is set to move for nothing in December and English approaches are already being made.