Wilfried Gnonto to start, Patrick Bamford axed after Javi Gracia update – Leeds United predicted XI v Bournemouth
Wilfried Gnonto could finally start for Javi Gracia when Leeds United take on Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday.
Ahead of Leeds’ trip to the south coast on 30 April, it was confirmed that Luis Sinisterra will be ruled out of action for the rest of the season while Max Wober is also a doubt [The Athletic].
While speaking to the media on Friday (28 April), Gracia also dropped a hint about Gnonto’s role in the coming weeks, suggesting that the 19-year-old Italy forward has a role to play.
As quoted by LeedsLive, Gracia said: “You ask me about Willy many times and I always say the same.
“He’s an exceptional player with an amazing character.
“The last game I decided to play with Cree [Summerville] but I am sure in the next games Willy will have chances to show.”
On the basis of this and due to Patrick Bamford’s poor form, it is predicted that Gracia will make two changes to the starting line-up he named for the 1-1 draw with Leicester City last time out.
Crysencio Summerville is predicted to replace the injured Sinisterra on the right wing while Bamford could be axed and replaced by Gnonto in the side, with Rodrigo moving into the striker role and Jack Harrison shifting over into the middle.
As for the rest of the team, it’s likely to be more of the same.
Illan Meslier brushed off his critics to play well against Leicester and he’s expected to start behind an unchanged back-four of Luke Ayling, Robin Koch, Liam Cooper and Junior Firpo.
Marc Roca and Weston McKennie are then predicted to start in the two deeper-lying midfield roles with a much-changed attack ahead of them.
In other Leeds United news, over £34million is at stake as a European club prays that the Whites don’t get relegated.