Patrick Bamford ban could work in Leeds United’s favour

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Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa may have to pick Kemar Roofe to lead the line in the play offs.

Patrick Bamford’s potential ban could actually be a blessing in disguise for Leeds United as they head into the play offs, given his poor form.

Bamford is at risk of receiving a two-match ban, after an apparent act of simulation in Leeds’ last match against Aston Villa, as reported by the Daily Mirror.

Leeds striker Bamford went down clutching his face, when it appeared that he was struck in the stomach to get Villa’s Anwar El-Ghazi sent off.

If Bamford is now banned for simulation, as expected, he will miss the first-leg of Leeds’ upcoming play off semi final, but that could work out to Marcelo Bielsa’s side’s advantage.

Bielsa does not like to alter his line-up, and he has stubbornly persisted with picking the same team again and again.

The Argentine loves consistency of selection, but there must be questions over whether that is hurting Leeds right now.

Bamford has been hugely off colour in recent weeks, while Kemar Roofe has sat on the substitutes’ bench.

Roofe is back fully fit after injury, but he has not been afforded many chances – even though Leeds have looked a better side with him involved instead of Bamford this season.

Roofe has hit four more goals than Bamford over the course of the season so far, and currently leads the Whites’ scoring charts.

While Bamford is arguably a more clinical finisher than Roofe, his performances have dipped badly over recent months.

And if Bamford’s possible suspension means that Bielsa has no choice but to pick Roofe then that could actually benefit Leeds for their play off campaign.