Jesse Marsch has told Friday’s press conference – as per the Evening post – that Patrick Bamford could make his third start of the season on Sunday when Leeds United travel to the Capital to take on his old side Crystal Palace.
Bamford, 29, has only managed five Premier League appearances this season. The one-time England international is struggling to get back to 100% after managing just 10 outings last term. He started the first two games this term.
But in his second, he came off after 28 minutes against Southampton – as a precaution. Since then, he has been in and out of the side but only as a sub. He missed games against Chelsea and Brighton, and has since been a sub.
Before the international break, Bamford scored a hat-trick for the 21’s in a 6-2 win over Southampton – lasting 81 minutes. Ahead of last Sunday’s draw with Villa, he suffered a twinge – meaning he only came on as a substitute.
Marsch was asked about his situation ahead of Sunday’s clash against Palace, and hinted that Bamford could start. It would see Bamford come up against his former side, a team where he only played nine times during a loan.
“Patrick is fitter and trained well this week and I think he’s ready to go. I think there’s a high likelihood he’ll be ready from the start,” Marsch said, on whether Bamford could start against Palace this weekend at Selhurst Park.
Marsch: Bamford could start when Leeds take on Palace
Leeds are a better side when Bamford starts up top. He has the ability and the knack of a striker that can dictate two central defenders. It allows the other attacking players a bit more room and of course, he is a goalscorer.
Rodrigo, Jack Harrison and Brenden Aaronson are more than likely to start in the three behind Bamford. That is, if Bamford does start. With Palace struggling in defence for numbers and Bamford fit, Leeds have a real chance.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
