Daniel Farke tells one Leeds United player he needs to do more in training if he wants to start

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Oxford United are next up for Leeds United as The Whites look to keep the pressure on Sheffield United at the top of the Championship, and Daniel Farke has been speaking in his press conference.

Leeds remain in second place despite last weekend’s draw at Preston, but Burnley have closed the gap after winning themselves. Sheffield United were also victorious, leaving Leeds three behind the Blades.

But Daniel Farke will be expecting his side to get back to winning ways on Saturday as they host newly-promoted Oxford United for the first time since a Cup clash against them 12 years ago, back in 2012.

Farke confirmed some worrying injury news ahead of the game, with Leeds now suffering from issues at centre-back. Pascal Struijk is a “major doubt”, while Max Wober is expected to miss Saturday’s outing.

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Daniel Farke also has a decision to make up front against Oxford

Joel Piroe struggled again against Blackburn, and Farke turned to Patrick Bamford before bringing on Mateo Joseph who played a part in the goal – which was confirmed as a Jack Whatmough own goal.

Bamford is yet to start a league game, while neither Joseph or Piroe have managed to score on a regular basis in recent weeks. Farke was asked about Bamford’s lack of game time in Thursday’s press conference.

“It is beneficial for him to work on fitness in training. Several weeks back in training. Works on his fitness, sharpness. A fit Patrick Bamford is a good option. All had a good impact off the bench and I like this.”

Who should Daniel Farke start up front against Oxford?

Farke of course, has four options up top. But Joe Gelhardt is not being considered even if Farke has said Gelhardt is impressing in training. Gelhardt is keen on a Leeds exit in January and is likely to go right now.

The Championship stats of Leeds’ four strikers:

So, Piroe, Joseph or Bamford? At home, against a struggling side, it is the perfect opportunity to start a player that has not yet started a single league game. It may see Farke throw Bamford into the starting XI.

But the chances are it will be either Piroe or Joseph up top and given Joseph’s impact from the bench against Preston, the Spain U21 might get a chance from the off against Oxford come Saturday.