Daniel Farke must axe Patrick Bamford for Leeds United v Blackburn Rovers after stinker v Sunderland
Daniel Farke has a big decision to make with his Leeds United starting lineup ahead of their clash with Blackburn at Elland Road on Saturday (13 April).
The Whites have won just one of their last four games in the Championship after a run of 12 wins in their 13 prior games, which has seen them drop to second in the table level on points with Ipswich and one behind Leicester despite playing a game more than both sides.
The team are now preparing for the visit of Blackburn Rovers at the weekend, and manager Farke must find a way to reshuffle his side to get back to winning ways and back on track for automatic promotion to the Premier League.
His attack is where the team have been struggling most in recent weeks, with the form of players such as Daniel James and Georginio Rutter dwindling.
But it’s Patrick Bamford who is struggling the most, with the former England international now on a run of five games without a goal and just one in his last seven appearances for the Whites.
He has missed several big chances in that run too, and in tight games where only Crysencio Summerville has been firing in any sort of form, that simply isn’t good enough.
Mateo Joseph deserves a start for Leeds United
Daniel Farke splashed the cash on Joel Piroe in the summer because it was deemed that Bamford wasn’t good enough to be the starting number nine, but the Dutch forward has found himself on the sidelines in recent months.
But with Bamford really struggling against Sunderland most recently, it’s clearly time for him to be taken out of the firing line and someone else to be given an opportunity.
While most would feel Piroe makes the most sense, it’s youngster Mateo Joseph who has really shone in recent appearances for the team and the new Spain youth international has always shown a fine eye for goal.
He has brought a fresh energy to the team from the substitutes’ bench, understands the way Farke wants to play and is in good form.
Whether it’s Piroe or Joseph who get the nod on Saturday lunchtime, it’s clear that it can’t be Bamford lining up from the start again in his current form.
Farke must make the decision to take him out of the team and mix things up to get the team back on track towards the Premier League.
In other Leeds news, Luke Ayling and Mateusz Klich have reacted to Stuart Dallas’ retirement.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.