Leeds predicted XI v Southampton after Patrick Bamford and Dan James updates
Automatic promotion to the Premier League will be out of Leeds United’s hands when they welcome Southampton to Elland Road on Saturday afternoon (4 May).
Their 4-0 defeat against QPR on Friday (26 April) means Ipswich Town need just one point to guarantee second place and a return to the top flight after a 24-year wait.
Daniel Farke’s side will rely on the Tractor Boys to lose to Huddersfield and they will need to beat the Saints to sneak into an automatic spot.
Ahead of a tense final day of the campaign, Football Insider has predicted Leeds United’s starting XI following the injury latest on Patrick Bamford, Daniel James and Connor Roberts.
Defence
Illan Meslier will most likely keep his spot in between the sticks despite a shaky performance against the west Londoners last week.
Junior Firpo, Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu will probably start too despite their suspect displays against the Hoops, but the backline could be boosted by Roberts’ return.
Reportedly, the Welshman is in contention to return against Southampton, with Farke stating that “there is a chance” he will be included.
After Sam Byram’s poor display at Loftus Road, Roberts will most likely feature from the off if he is deemed fit enough.
Midfield
Ilia Gruev had an uncharacteristically bad performance against QPR and was hauled off for Glen Kamara in the latter stages of the defeat.
The Finland international looked much more composed than Gruev, meaning Farke could opt to bring him back into the XI against the Saints.
Archie Gray was also well off the pace, but his consistency throughout the whole campaign will most likely see him keep his spot.
Attack
Leeds’ frontline lacked the cutting edge to put any pressure on QPR’s defence and Farke may look to make major changes.
Crysencio Summerville’s and Georginio Rutter’s consistent output throughout the season means they are surely set to retain their places despite a lacklustre outing.
However, both James and Bamford are reportedly in contention to start against Southampton after their injuries.
Following the QPR loss, Farke revealed that Bamford should be ready “in two or three days” after picking up a minor knee injury.
The German even stated that Bamford is their “only chance to win games”, meaning he is surely set to replace Joel Piroe up top, who had a woeful outing on Friday.
James has a lesser chance of making the line-up than Bamford after suffering an oblique abdominal tear against Middlesbrough last week (22 April), but Farke noted that there’s “hope” that he will be available.
If so, he will likely replace Wilfried Gnonto at right wing.
In other news, Leeds United likely to accept £30million offer for star man.
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