Daniel Farke must keep ‘magnificent’ Leeds United player in starting XI and bench £10.5m man

Add as preferred source on Google

Leeds United return to Championship action on Saturday with a trip to Cardiff City.

Following their FA Cup victory at Peterborough United last weekend, Leeds have had a nice break from league action after a busy festive period that saw them play four games in nine days.

Having stuck with a very similar starting XI for several weeks, Daniel Farke was forced into some rotation during that run of matches and may have landed on a solution to solve the recent away day struggles.

Leeds have lost each of their last three league games on the road against sides who have sat back and made it hard to break them down. Farke’s side lack ideas and are too slow in possession when they come up against sides who do this.

However, bringing Patrick Bamford into the team may just help them solve that issue, with Joel Piroe having to settle for a place on the bench for the second consecutive Championship fixture.

Farke needs to start Bamford vs Cardiff

Bamford is a completely different type of forward to Piroe as his game relies very much on his movement to get in behind the defence. Until he came on at West Brom and his runs were ignored several times, Leeds had a front four who were just too happy to keep coming to feet.

Ultimately, though, that is what a deep defence want and with Cardiff likely to employ similar tactics, Leeds need that runner in behind, which Bamford can provide. He will also be full of confidence after his ‘magnificent’ goal against Peterborough on Sunday.

Bamford’s inclusion in the starting XI will also allow Georginio Rutter to drop deeper into the number 10 position, where he shone during the recent 3-0 victory over Birmingham City.

Unfortunately for £10.5 million summer signing Piroe, that will mean he has to settle for a place on the bench again. His last goal away from home came back in September at Millwall.

However, if Leeds are chasing a goal in the second half, then he will be a hugely valuable asset to bring onto the pitch, as he still remains the best finisher in Farke’s squad.