Leeds United fans will have their fingers and toes crossed that Patrick Bamford will be fit enough to start on Sunday against Chelsea at Elland Road. The striker could be seen limping out of Leeds’ 2-2 draw with Southampton on Saturday and there was some concern as he clutched at his groin.
Jesse Marsch confirmed after the game that Bamford felt some tightness in his adductor and was brought off the field as a precaution. As such, he is expected to train this week and he should be in contention for a starting spot when the Whites take on Thomas Tuchel’s side this weekend.
The same can be said for Joe Gelhardt. The young forward missed his chance to pick up extended minutes at St Mary’s due to the dead leg he picked up in training in the build-up to the contest.
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Once more, Gelhardt is expected to have some role to play against the Blues, more than likely off the bench. However, if neither player is ready to play Chelsea this weekend, Marsch may have to get creative with his options up front.
Rodrigo may well be the obvious man to lead the line this weekend should the above names be forced to watch on from the sidelines. The Spain international enjoyed a fine summer, bagging five pre-season goals, and he has managed to carry that confidence and belief into the competitive action, scoring three goals in Leeds’ first two Premier League games to top the early goalscoring charts.
Leeds fans are accustomed to seeing Rodrigo play in a slightly deeper supporting role, but Marsch saw instant success in the second half on the south coast on Saturday, after a slight half-time reshuffle which saw the 31-year-old asked to take on a more advanced role. Within a minute or so, Rodrigo could be seen arriving at the front post to turn flick Jack Harrison’s low cross into the back of the net and he grabbed a second on the hour mark.
He’s oozing confidence at the minute and while he’s in such form, it may make sense to give him a licence to push forward and get himself into goal-scoring positions, irrespective of Bamford’s injury status. Dan James would be another option for Marsch to consider should he be forced to make a decision upfront.
James was the man brought off the bench for Bamford in the 28th minute at Southampton and he showed glimpses of what he can do in the role, working the defensive line with his speed and constantly looking to get in behind. It’s not a position James particularly relishes but it’s one in which he is capable of doing damage, given the chance.
Sam Greenwood arrived at the club as a striker a couple of years ago, but he has transitioned into a midfielder as he works his way into the first-team fold under Marsch. Therefore, it seems highly unlikely that he will be considered an option up front this weekend.
Marsch was spotted watching Leeds’ under-21s on Monday afternoon and while Crysencio Summerville undoubtedly stole the show, the head coach was surely impressed with what he saw from Mateo Joseph. The 18-year-old has scored five goals in just two Premier League 2 Division 2 appearances this season and Marsch has spoken highly of the striker recently, suggesting he is certainly on his radar.
It’s unlikely that Joseph will be drafted in to lead the Leeds line this weekend, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him named on the bench this weekend should the Whites be short of attacking numbers.
Sonny Perkins, who arrived from West Ham United last month, is another option from the under-21s the head coach may consider.
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