There was one notable absentee from last Saturday’s Leeds United squad as Daniel Farke’s men suffered a 1-0 defeat to Burnley, but his incredible record against Cardiff City should see him recalled.
Leeds suffered their first Championship defeat of the season at the hands of Burnley. Luca Koleosho scored the only goal of the game after a slip from Manor Solomon and Leeds could not restore parity.
Farke will have worked all week looking at ways he can tweak his side tactically and possibly, in terms of personnel in order to prove more pungent in attack and one he could turn to was absent last time out.
Indeed, Mateo Joseph started up top for Leeds as he has done all season in the Championship, but the Spaniard is still only on one goal. Joel Piroe, also on one goal, came on while Joe Gelhardt was unused.
Patrick Bamford’s record vs Cardiff should tempt Farke into recall
Bamford missed the win over Hull prior to the international break due to a hamstring injury and was absent again against Burnley. Farke said Bamford wasn’t injured, but they are monitoring him.
On Saturday, Bamford may be fit and Farke will want to include the one-time England man in his squad given his excellent record against Cardiff. He has six goals in nine career games against the Welsh side.
Not only that, but he has also got an assist and won four times in those nine matches. So, if Bamford is fit and ready to go, then Farke has got to recall the striker at least to the bench and use him in Wales.
Bamford could be in line for new Leeds contract, surprisingly
The 49ers have already agreed a new deal for Wilfried Gnonto and are looking to lengthen some deals at Elland Road. One deemed as a priority for the Leeds board is a new contract for Bamford, in the future.
At his best, Bamford is a Premier League player. But it is so long since Bamford has been able to show his best since the 20-21 campaign when he had a hand in 25 Premier League goals, with injury playing a part.
If Leeds are to extend the contract of Bamford who is now well into his thirties, then Leeds fans would only surely be understanding of the new deal if the wage is cut given he is one of the club’s top earners.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
