Noel Whelan has been speaking to Football Insider about Leeds United’s lack of a backup striker for Patrick Bamford.
Leeds started their last match with no striker on the bench as Tyler Roberts played from the start in a midfield role, leaving Bamford with no support and no way for Marcelo Bielsa to change the game.
The Whites went on to lose 2-0 to Cardiff City, despite having 69% possession and 17 shots.
Here is what Whelan had to say about the situation:
“It is a huge problem. A huge problem!
“I do not know any Championship side this weekend that did not have a striker on their bench. This is a joke, quite frankly.
“A team that is level on points, top of the league, only has one striker to choose from and no options on the bench.
“I cannot think of any side that has no replacement striker. That is poor for a club like Leeds United.”
Have Leeds left themselves short of forward options?
Yes
No
TIF Thoughts…
Leeds would have had Jean-Kevin Augustin in the squad, but he recently picked up an injury in training and Phil Hay confirmed that he still isn’t fit, with his loan set to expire in a week.
Leeds struggled to break Neil Harris’ side down, and one shot that was destined for the net actually hit Bamford and stayed out.
So, you can see why former Leeds striker Whelan is angry.
Next up for the Whites is the visit of Fulham in a huge game in the promotion race.
If Marcelo Bielsa’s men win, they will be 10 points clear of Scott Parker’s side, but if Fulham win at Elland Road, the gap to Leeds will be down to just four points.
So, will the Whites have enough firepower to overcome Fulham? We will have to wait and see.