Daniel Farke to bench Patrick Bamford in Championship playoff final – Predicted Leeds United XI v Southampton
Daniel Farke has a big decision to make when it comes to Patrick Bamford for his starting lineup for the Championship playoff final between Leeds and Southampton.
The Whites overcame Norwich with a 4-0 win at Elland Road to progress to the Wembley final, while Southampton despatched of West Brom 3-1 at St Mary’s for their place to compete for a Premier League spot.
The two sides met on the final day of the regular season with Russell Martin’s team coming out victorious in a 2-1 win, but Farke will have a different idea of how to approach this game with such high stakes.
Leeds United back to their defensive best
The 4-0 win in the second leg against Norwich made it back-to-back clean sheets, and Illan Meslier was a big reason for that with a huge save at 1-0 and will keep his place in the team.
Farke experimented towards the end of the regular season, but went back to his preferred back four of Archie Gray and Junior Firpo at full-back and Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon in the centre.
That produced a solid defensive display and while Sam Byram and Connor Roberts are fit they’re unlikely to start, especially since Roberts won’t be joining the club permanently once his loan deal expires.
In midfield that would see Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev partner up in the centre of the pitch once more as they look to dominate the pitch and stop Southampton from controlling the game and possession.
In attack things finally clicked again for Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter and Wilfried Gnonto as they all registered a goal or assist during the game, with fast-paced attacks and great quality.
But up front Patrick Bamford is hopeful of being fit again which leaves a big question about Joel Piroe’s inclusion. The Dutch striker has scored in two of his last three appearances, including against the Saints, and with Bamford returning from a spell on the sidelines he would be best coming off the bench if necessary.
In other Leeds news, Phil Hay has shared details of the bizarre agreement that saw one Whites starlet choose Elland Road over Manchester City.
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