Patrick Bamford starts, Pascal Struijk drops out – Leeds United predicted XI v Crystal Palace
Patrick Bamford is predicted to return to the starting line-up as Leeds United take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon.
Jesse Marsch will be without Luis Sinisterra for the trip to South London after he was sent off in the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa last time out. As a result, Rodrigo could drop into an attacking midfield role with Bamford, 29, returning to the side as the lone striker.
Marsch could also axe Pascal Struijk to see Junior Firpo return to the side and make his first start since May after recovering from a knee injury.
After Leeds’ goalless draw with Villa, BBC Radio Leeds presenter Jonathan Buchan says Marsch was heard yelling down to the bench to get Firpo on as soon as possible [Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet].
As a result, 26-year-old Firpo could come back into the side so there’s a natural left-back involved.
It would, however, mean that in-form Struijk is dropped from the side but in order to add balance and get Leeds back to winning ways, it’s a decision Marsch could make.
Illan Meslier is predicted to start in goals behind a back-four of Rasmus Kristensen, Robin Koch, Liam Cooper and Firpo.
Marc Roca and Tyler Adams are expected to continue in their central midfield roles.
Brenden Aaronson could move onto the right-wing to make up for Sinisterra’s absence with Jack Harrison likely to line up on the left-hand side.
Rodrigo’s been in good form this season but with Bamford back, there’s a good chance the Spain international will drop into the number 10 role behind the England international, who will probably start as the lone striker.
In other Leeds United news, a former FIFA official has slammed a controversial piece of footage from the 0-0 draw with Villa.