Leeds United are without Patrick Bamford for both legs of their Championship semi-final encounter with Norwich City, but 13-goal winger Dan James is in contention to return to the squad.
Leeds will miss line-leading centre-forward Patrick Bamford for the next two games at least, according to manager Daniel Farke, after it was revealed the striker had suffered a minor patellar tendon trauma.
It was thought Bamford’s injury was merely a bruised knee but a fresh scan has shown the issue to be more than his initial diagnosis. As a result, Leeds are likely to go with Joel Piroe in attack once again, supported by Georginio Rutter.
Dan James is a possibility to return to the squad after suffering an abdominal tear, while Connor Roberts has trained with the team and should be available.
Here’s how we expect Leeds to line up at Carrow Road on Sunday.
1. GK – Illan Meslier
Meslier was recently named joint-winner of the EFL Championship Golden Glove award after registering 18 clean sheets this season.
2. RB – Sam Byram
Byram’s experience is likely to see him given the nod ahead of Archie Gray and the not yet 100% fit Connor Roberts
3. CB – Joe Rodon
A stalwart at the back this season, even though the team have shipped more goals lately, there are no calls for the Welsh international to be dropped
4. CB – Ethan Ampadu
There may be temptation on Farke’s part to deploy Ampadu in his preferred central midfield berth, but the stand-in skipper has been especially important at centre-back throughout the second half of the campaign and is likely to stay put.
5. LB – Junior Firpo
Not at his best in Leeds’ last run-out but has been one of the better performers in recent weeks when the team’s overall level has fallen. An attacking threat down the left, too.
6. CM – Ilia Gruev
Farke has reiterated on numerous occasions there are few options in his squad other than Gruev and Ampadu who can play the ‘deep six’ role.
7. CM – Glen Kamara
Every chance Farke sticks with the centre-midfield pairing that helped the team to 13 wins from 15 at the start of the year, of which Kamara was a key part.
8. LW – Crysencio Summerville
A player with genuine match-winner potential – Summerville has to feature as much as possible due to the knockout nature of the play-offs.
9. RW – Willy Gnonto
Dan James could be back available but Farke is expected to stick with the Italian youngster in his starting XI, keeping the faith that he can make a decisive impact despite James’ return. He’s looked fiery and a threat since coming back into the line-up.
10. CF – Georginio Rutter
Rutter hasn’t been at his best lately but the star quality he possesses, in addition to the 16 league assists to his name this term, means he gets the nod in behind Joel Piroe.
11. ST – Joel Piroe
Not always the most popular pick in Bamford’s absence but the Dutchman is in double figures for the season and made no mistake from 12-or-so yards against the Saints last weekend.
