Leeds United are back in action this afternoon with a Premier League away clash against Brentford.
Their previous league outing saw the Whites draw 1-1 against Everton at Elland Road on Tuesday evening.
The Toffees took the lead with 17 minutes on the clock through Anthony Gordon, only for Luis Sinisterra to score an equaliser for Leeds, ultimately leading to both sides sharing the points on the night.
On the chalkboard
In terms of what Jesse Marsch’s starting XI could look like to take on the Bees, one figure that didn’t start in midweek that we feel needs to be in from the beginning on this occasion is Patrick Bamford.
So far this season, the Englishman has played in three out of the five league games Leeds have completed, starting just one of them.
Last season was a very difficult one for the striker as injuries massively impacted his playing time, leaving him with only nine league appearances to his name, during which he managed to score two goals and provide two assists.
However, the 2020/21 season saw the centre-forward find the net 17 times having appeared in every league game Leeds played, confirming his quality in front of goal and his clear capability to play in the top division at a high level.
He’d terrify Brentford
Bearing in mind how Rodrigo, who has started the season in fine form by scoring four goals and providing one assist, picked up an injury to his shoulder against Everton, this could persuade Marsch to give Bamford his second start of the season and hope he can find his first goal contribution as well.
Should Marsch start Patrick Bamford against Brentford?
Yes
No
Hailed as an “exceptional” player by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp for his performances in the past, the £35k-per-week striker could terrify Brentford and their defenders with his clear attacking presence.
Taking into account how only four clubs have a lower total of combined tackles and interceptions than Brentford (137), who also have one of the lowest percentages for pressures made in the defensive third of the pitch (173) in the league so far this season, perhaps this would be an ideal team for Bamford to play against and potentially grab a goal for his side.
