Patrick Bamford named, first start for Djed Spence – Leeds United confirmed XI v Sunderland
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has named his starting line-up for Tuesday’s (12 December) Championship clash with Sunderland.
The Whites head into the match on a seven-game unbeaten run, winning six of those, but Farke was forced to tinker with his line-up at the Stadium of Light.
As confirmed by United’s official Twitter account [12 December], one enforced change was made from the 2-0 win at Blackburn Rovers three days ago.
Sam Byram has been a regular at left-back, but he sustained an injury against Blackburn that will keep him out for three weeks, so Djed Spence gets the nod for his first start in the Leeds strip.
The only other notable news with regards to the team sheet is that Patrick Bamford is among the substitutes, despite struggling with illness in the week.
Chance to impress
Not helped by niggling injury issues, Spence’s time at Elland Road thus far has been rather frustrating to say the least.
The 23-year-old, who joined on loan from Tottenham in the summer, has made just two substitutes appearances for the club up until this point – a grand total of 29 minutes.
The injury to Byram, plus Jamie Shackleton’s lay-off, means that Spence now has a chance to show exactly what he is capable of.
If he puts in a strong showing against Sunderland, then it may well be that Byram struggles to get back into the team.
Farke has a rather settled XI, and it is no real surprise that he has once again opted to stick with the other 10 players who started in the win over Blackburn.
This is a very busy period in the season, so Farke will have to make full use of his squad as we edge towards the festive fixtures, meaning more chances for the likes of Wilfried Gnonto, Jaidon Anthony and Bamford.
As long as Leeds are winning, though the German boss will see no reason to break up a winning formula.
It is therefore down to the players to show they are worthy of a starting spot when they do get the nod, as is the case with Spence here.
In other Leeds United news, a foreign journalist was wowed by a Whites player after he achieved his “dream” at the weekend.