Daniel Farke to axe ‘magnificent’ Patrick Bamford in two changes – Leeds United predicted XI v Norwich City
Daniel Farke is predicted to make two changes to his Leeds United starting XI to face Norwich City at Elland Road on Wednesday 24 January.
The Whites head into their Championship clash off of the back of a late 2-1 win over Preston North End thanks to Joel Piroe’s 94th-minute penalty and the Ducthman’s heroics will have likely earned him a recall to Farke’s starting XI.
Having last played on Sunday (21 January), Wednesday’s clash represents a quick turnaround for Leeds and as such Farke is expected to make a couple of alterations when he faces his former side, which could see Junior Firpo axed.
Illan Meslier will almost certainly continue between the posts, despite one or two shaky moments in Sunday’s win, while Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon will continue ahead of him as Pascal Struijk remains sidelined with an injury.
Archie Gray was far from his best against Ryan Lowe’s side but will have to continue on the right of defence given the lack of other options, especially as Sam Byram seems set to return to the fold to replace his former side from left-back.
The 30-year-old replaced Firpo in the win over Preston and, while the Spaniard has been in fine form when fit this season, the quick turnaround partnered with his recent injury woes will likely see him rotated out of the XI on Wednesday night.
In midfield, Ilia Gruev and Glen Kamara pick themselves, especially with Ampadu and Gray forced into the backline as there is no other option really available to Farke currently at Elland Road.
Dan James and Crysencio Summerville will likely continue on each flank. Both wingers have been superb for Leeds United this season and with Wilfried Gnonto facing a late fitness test the Italy international is unlikely to return to the fold from the off.
While Patrick Bamford has finally found his goal-scoring boots, including that strike against Peterborough that Alan Shearer labelled “magnificent” (8 January), his quiet showing against Preston will likely see him return to the substitutes bench, with Piroe almost guaranteed to return in the number 10 role.
That will leave Georginio Rutter to lead the line as an out-and-out number nine. The Frenchman was rather quiet on Sunday but has looked his best with Piroe behind him this season and the Dutchman’s introduction back into the fold may help him get back to his best.
When Rutter is fit and available, he tends to start regardless of his form.
In other Leeds United news, Neil Warnock has shared his verdict on the Whites chances of automatic promotion this season
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