Patrick Bamford to start as Daniel Farke update emerges – Leeds United predicted XI v Rotherham
Daniel Farke could be set to make two changes when Leeds United face off against Rotherham in the Championship on Friday and a start could well be handed to Patrick Bamford after a latest injury blow.
Farke confirmed on Wednesday afternoon (22 November) that Georginio Rutter is a “big doubt” for their Championship clash with Rotherham on Friday night (24 November).
Rutter played for the France Under-21s during the international break and looks to have picked up an injury with Farke sharing that the Frenchman hasn’t trained with the team ahead of the game.
The Frenchman has so far been the Championship’s creator-in-chief, registering five assists and more chances created than any other player in England’s second their, while also picking up three goals himself in his 15 matches so far.
While his injury may well disrupt Farke’s attacking rhythm at Elland Road, the German issued on Wednesday (as per Phil Hay) that he will have no problems bringing exit-linked Bamford back into the team.
And the former Middlesbrough man now looks set to start the game at the AESSEAL New York Stadium on Friday, with Farke likely to make two changes from the team which triumphed 2-1 over Plymouth Argyle before the international break.
The other change will likely see Charlie Cresswell handed his first start of the campaign in place of below-par Liam Cooper who has struggled when called upon so far this season.
Illan Meslier will no doubt continue in goal, continuing to keep summer signing Karl Darlow out of the side with his performances.
In defence, Sam Byram was forced off injured in the win over Plymouth which allowed Junior Firpo to make his first appearance of the season.
But the hope and expectation is that Byram will be fit to return at left-back after Farke confirmed that the former Norwich City defender that his recovery has been quicker than expected before a decision will be made.
At right back, Farke shared in his press conference that Djed Spence and Jamie Shackleton are back training with the first team but it’s unlikely they’ll start so Archie Gray should continue at right back.
At the heart of the defence, Farke remained coy on Rodon’s fitness status but the Tottenham loanee came out unscathed against Turkey for Wales on Tuesday (21 November) so should keep his place.
Rodon could well be lining up with a new defensive partner in Cresswell who impressed for the England under-21s in midweek and should be given a chance to make an impression.
Pascal Struijk underwent hernia surgery before the break with the hope that he would only miss minimal game time, but Farke is unlikely to rush him back.
The same can be said for Ethan Ampadu who has played every game for the Whites this season and will surely get the nod again should fitness permit, while Glen Kamara should partner him after impressive performances in recent weeks.
In attack, Crysencio Summerville has been battling with a shoulder injury but should be fit to play after some time off over the break, and should continue on at left wing where much of his searing form this season has come.
On the right flank, Farke will have been pleased to see key player Dan James start from the bench against Turkey to have him fresh for Friday and the Welshman is expected to keep up his tremendous form, scoring three goals in his last five.
Ahead of them, Joel Piroe should start in behind Bamford who now looks destined to start in place of the injured Rutter and this could well be his chance to prolong his stay at Elland Road beyond January.
In other Leeds United news, journalist Alan Nixon has raged at the latest news from Premier League club Everton, with a Whites legal claim issued.