It proved to be yet another a frustrating afternoon for Leeds United after they were beaten by Leicester City on Saturday. The Whites dominated for large spells but were unable to take their chances as Jesse Marsch's first game in charge ended in defeat.
Harvey Barnes' second-half strike condemned the Whites to a sixth loss in seven matches which leaves them in 16th, just two points above the relegation zone. The result was a disappointing one, but it was a performance to be pleased about for the travelling Leeds faithful.
Marsch set up in a more defensively structured 4-2-3-1 formation and limited Leicester to just seven shots as the Foxes struggled to create many opportunities at all. Luke Ayling martialled the threat of Jamie Vardy, while Robin Koch and Mateusz Klich provided a shield to the back-four.
More importantly, the Whites were a major threat in attack and caused City so many problems on the counter-attack. Leeds had 19 efforts on goal and forced Kasper Schmeichel into some excellent saves.
Raphinha arguably created Leeds' best opening when he got on the end of Junior Firpo's cross but he was unable to steer his shot into the net. Jack Harrison, Firpo and Daniel James also squandered superb chances as the Whites created an xG (expected goals) of 2.15 - their second-highest this season.
The new shape allowed Leeds to be more fluid through the middle and the Whites were able to conjure up more opportunities than they have been able to in their last six matches, threating Leicester in some dangerous areas. But how can Marsch fix the finishing issues?
Well, Patrick Bamford could be the answer. The England international has been missing for the majority of the season but was back on the bench for the trip to the King Power Stadium on the weekend.
Bamford has been out with a foot injury since January after previously recovering from an ankle and hamstring problem. He has made one appearance in almost six months - scoring the equaliser in a 30-minute cameo against Brentford back in December.
But the 28-year-old is set to feature against Aston Villa on Thursday night. This is a pivotal game in the Whites' pursuit of staying in the Premier League and three points would be welcome at Elland Road.
Considering that Bamford scored 17 goals in 38 appearances last season, it may be sensible to throw him straight back into the starting XI if he's fully fit and available. Although the forward hasn't played a minute of senior football in 12 weeks, Bamford's presence and all-round game has also been missed.
James has done a satisfactory job in filling the void in the central striker role but his natural position is out wide, while Rodrigo has struggled for form this term. Some supporters thought that Joe Gelhardt and Tyler Roberts would step up in his absence, however, the duo haven't had much first-team game time of late.
Bamford led the line superbly and was clinical when he was given the chance during the 2020/21 season. He averaged a goal every 6.29 shots in the league and netted almost 0.5 goals per-game - the second-best record out of all English forwards.
As the campaign progressed, Bamford improved with his final product and became the spearhead of a potent attacking trio alongside Jack Harrison and Raphinha. With seven assists to his name, he also demonstrated his creative ability - something Leeds have missed with the lack of a natural 'no.10' in the side.
Subsequently, Leeds have scored just 29 goals in 27 matches - 16 fewer than it this stage last season which is the sixth-worst record in the division. Bamford could give the Whites that edge in the final third and the quality they need to put the ball in the back of net.
The former Middlesbrough striker picks up some good positions inside the area and he might be the difference in their pursuit of staying up if they can get him firing again. Bamford scored a hat-trick against Villa last season and it would be a smart decision to recall him to starting XI given the magnitude and importance of the game.
Who Marsch would drop is an interesting one. James and Rodrigo both looked sharp, while Harrison seemingly struggled on the left-hand side and change in shape could accommodate Bamford. Raphinha is set to keep his place and the midfield duo may stay the same, although Adam Forshaw is pushing for a return.
