Phil Hay: Patrick Bamford likely to feature for Leeds United v Aston Villa
Patrick Bamford is likely to feature for Leeds United against Aston Villa and Norwich City, claims Phil Hay.
In his piece for The Athletic, Hay stated that after being on the bench against Leicester over the weekend, the England international is now in a position to play for Jesse Marsch's side.
While he could feature, he is not likely to start, with the American likely to ease him back to full fitness.
Hay wrote, "Bamford is far more likely to figure against Aston Villa and Norwich City this week — successive home matches upon which so much hangs.
"Realistically, Marsch will not be able to let Bamford loose without restraint over the next few days, against Villa on Thursday and Norwich on Sunday.
"The striker last started a game six months ago and, in the period since, has managed 22 on-pitch minutes in the Premier League owing to a hamstring strain and a torn foot muscle."
Big boost
The lack of a focal point has led to Leeds' detriment this season.
They haven't had someone at the receiving end of an out ball who's clinical enough to find the back of the net.
Dan James offers legs, but that's all he does while Rodrigo has not impressed in the lone striker role.
Whether or not Marsch gives Joe Gelhardt a run as the first choice, remains to be seen.
There were calls under the Argentine to start Gelhardt, but surprisingly, he opted against it.