Leeds United predicted XI v Sunderland – Bamford axed, 24-yr-old recalled
Leeds United slipped up in the race for promotion when they lost 2-1 to Coventry City on Saturday (6 April).
Manager Daniel Farke now has plenty of big decisions to make as the Whites look to get their promotion push back on track.
Next up is a clash with Sunderland, with Elland Road playing host to the Championship fixture on Tuesday (9 April).
Football Insider has predicted Farke’s starting XI for the massive encounter under the lights in West Yorkshire.
Defence
Illan Meslier is expected to continue in goal, with Junior Firpo once again occupying the left-back role instead of Sam Byram.
Firpo was very impressive despite the defeat to Coventry, with the 27-year-old winning all three of his ground duels, completing 85% of his passes, making four clearances and two tackles.
Central defenders Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu should also retain their places, but Connor Roberts could come in for Archie Gray at right-back.
Midfield
Young star Gray is not expected to drop to the bench, but instead come into midfield for Glen Kamara, who was withdrawn at half-time on Saturday, alongside Ilia Gruev, who has recently returned from injury.
A slow start saw Gruev pick up a yellow card after just eight minutes, but he proved his worth throughout his 66 minutes on the pitch by registering a 91% pass rate and losing possession of the ball just five times.
Attack
Farke should once again hand starts to attacking duo Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter, but could replace Dan James with Wilfried Gnonto in a bid to freshen things up.
And there could be another change in the final third with Joel Piroe replacing Patrick Bamford after the latter fired a blank against Coventry, with the former netting just 10 minutes after coming on as a substitute.
It was a very impressive cameo from the 24-year-old, who completed 94% of his passes, made two tackles, and had three shots on target, more than any other player in the match.
In other news, Leeds United offer expected as Premier League giants swoop.
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