Exclusive: Whelan reveals who he expects to be Leeds striker tonight – ‘It wouldn’t surprise me’
Noel Whelan revealed he expects Patrick Bamford to lead the line for Leeds United against Arsenal tonight.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Laura O’Leary, the former Leeds striker admitted he believes Bamford will start as Marcelo Bielsa doesn’t have many options to choose from.
The Leeds manager revealed in his press conference that he will make at least four changes to his starting XI against the Gunners, with the likes of Robbie Gotts and Illan Meslier being handed their debuts.
Whelan acknowledged that Tyler Roberts and Ryan Edmondson were perhaps the only other two players capable of leading the line for the Whites, but highlighted how Edmondson hadn’t got a look in under Bielsa.
When asked who he is expected to start up front against Arsenal as Bielsa’s hands look tied with Bamford, Whelan told Football Insider: “Yeah I expect Bamford, the only real other option who can play through the middle is Tyler Roberts.
“Patrick, you know does spring to mind, we do have Ryan Edmondson but he’s not been seen or looked upon by Bielsa in any capacity in his time.
“The one striker we have…we know we’re in the window for another one, now that Nketiah has gone back to Arsenal.
“He doesn’t have a million and one options, so it wouldn’t surprise me if Patrick Bamford leads the line.”
Bamford has played 25 times across all competitions this season, scoring 10 goals and registering two assists in the process.
The 26-year-old has been at Elland Road since joining the Whites from Middlesbrough in July 2018 and is contracted to stay with Bielsa’s side until 2022.
In other Leeds United news, it can be REVEALED that the club have climbed into pole position to sign striker this month.