Daniel Farke axes Patrick Bamford – Leeds United XI v Queens Park Rangers
Daniel Farke looks set to make two changes to his Leeds United starting lineup when they face QPR at Elland Road on Friday 26 April.
The Whites claimed a vital 4-3 win over Middlesbrough on Monday 22 April thanks to two goals from Crysencio Summerville and strikes from Patrick Bamford and Wilfried Gnonto, keeping them in contention for automatic promotion with three games left.
But with such a short turnaround between games at a vital stage of the season, Farke may look to freshen things up to avoid any new injury issues rearing their head.
Will Joe Rodon be fit to play for Leeds United v QPR?
In goal Illan Meslier didn’t have the best of performances against Middlesbrough but will no doubt start in goal once again, with Karl Darlow accepting his role as understudy at Elland Road.
In defence Junior Firpo overcame illness to complete 90 minutes against Michael Carrick’s side so should be fine to play again after a few days of recovery, while Joe Rodon is “fine” after a calf problem in the same game.
They’ll be joined by Ethan Ampadu in the centre, one of Farke’s most important players, but Sam Byram is likely to drop to the bench again with Archie Gray moving back out to the right full-back position.
That will allow for £5m man Glen Kamara to come back into the side after sitting out the last two games, and he will partner Ilia Gruev in the heart of the midfield to add some more energy and quality in possession.
Gnonto, Summerville and Rutter were back to their dangerous best in that Monday night win and should continue in the side, especially with Jaidon Anthony and Daniel James both carrying problems out of that game.
But up front Patrick Bamford’s goal may not be enough to keep his place in the side due to his injury history, which should open the door for summer arrival Joel Piroe to come back in as the number nine.
In other Leeds news, one Sky Sports pundit was left drooling over this Elland Road star after what he did v Middlesbrough.
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