Leeds United are preparing to take on Derby County on Saturday in the first of two games against Paul Warne’s Rams this month, and Daniel Farke says one player has his “confidence” back.
Leeds will be hoping to get back to winning ways on the weekend when Derby come to town, having won four of their last six games against them. But, Daniel Farke’s record against Derby is not one to show off.
The German has managed just one win in six games against Derby, all of which have come as Norwich boss with Derby back in the Championship after spending last season in England’s third tier, League One.
Following the loss to Blackburn on Saturday, Farke could make a couple of changes. Junior Firpo now has a knock and could miss Saturday’s clash, while Farke may rotate his options in the final third on Saturday.
Daniel Farke shares how Patrick Bamford is playing in training
The £10m man is yet to start a Championship game for Leeds this season, mirroring what he did last term. A player that only came into the starting XI around Christmas and impressing in the second half of 23-24.
Patrick Bamford though, did come off the bench before Mateo Joseph at Blackburn despite being third-choice for the entirety of the season. Perhaps, a hint that Farke could start Bamford when Derby visit.
Farke was asked about Bamford in his press conference and said the one-time England man is getting back to his best in Leeds training: “The first time in ages he’s been three or four weeks without injury.
“I have already spoken about how highly I rate a fully fit Patrick. You can see in training his confidence is coming back and he has a good chance. The decision to bring him on was not necessarily against Joseph.
“It suited Patrick for his physicality and his smart movement in the box, a good option when you need a goal out of nothing. Once he’s fit, I am grateful he’s in a good period, training more and more,” he said.
Should Patrick Bamford start against Derby County on Saturday?
Well, Joel Piroe has had a hand in nine goals this season and remains Leeds’ top scorer. But while the striker is superb in front of goal, he struggles to make much of an impact in transition of his pressing.
Farke said Piroe is the Championship’s best finisher, better than Joseph who is not yet clinical in front of goal but works his socks off and contributes to play. At his best, Bamford has shown he is able to do both.
For all three strikers, at their very best, Bamford is probably Farke’s best option. He has showed he can do it in the Premier League and if Farke thinks he is ready and fit enough to start, then he could on Saturday.
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