Patrick Bamford to be axed by Sam Allardyce – Leeds United predicted starting XI v Newcastle United
Leeds United boss Sam Allardyce may make just one change to his starting XI for the match against Newcastle United on Saturday (13 May).
The Whites welcome the Magpies to Elland Road in the Premier League in desperate need of points to push away from the relegation zone.
Leeds lost their first match under Allardyce, with Manchester City defeating the Whites 2-1 last Saturday (6 May).
One of the biggest decisions that the new manager made for that game was to drop regular number one Illan Meslier and replace him with the experienced but rarely-seen Joel Robles.
Despite conceding twice against Pep Guardiola’s men, Robles produced a decent display between the sticks and looks set to continue in that role once again against Newcastle, with Leeds Live suggesting Meslier could now be “done for the season.”
Another experienced player in Luke Ayling is expected to continue at right-back, with Junior Firpo set to continue at left-back from the start.
That duo should get the nod either side of Max Wober and Rasmus Kristensen at centre-back, with the pair expecting another busy afternoon against a free-scoring Magpies side.
Ahead of that back four in defensive midfield, Marc Roca and Weston McKennie can expect another start under Allardyce, with the Whites still missing the injured Tyler Adams in that area.
In attacking midfield, Adam Forshaw looks set to retain Allardyce’s trust, with the same to be said of Willy Gnonto and Jack Harrison, with the talented pair expected to start at right-wing and left-wing respectively.
The one change that Allardyce can be expected to make is at centre-forward, with Patrick Bamford set to be replaced by Rodrigo.
The latter came off the bench and found the back of the net at the Etihad last time out, with that goalscoring ability set to earn him a start this time around.
In other Leeds United news, one youngster is on his way back to Elland Road after his loan spell ended with disappointed on the final day of the Championship season.