Journalist Phil Hay believes Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch has hinted that Patrick Bamford will start for the club this weekend alongside Rodrigo.
The English striker has been struggling for fitness this season and has started in the Premier League just twice as a result, but he did manage 22 minutes off the bench in the team’s most recent fixture (via Transfermarkt).
With a game against Crystal Palace next up, Hay has said that Bamford will not only come into the Leeds United starting XI, but he will do so alongside fellow forward Rodrigo.
In reaction to Marsch’s press conference – where the American said (via LeedsLive) that the 29-year-old is now fitter and has ‘trained well this week’ – therefore seemingly ready to go – the journalist made his claim.
Indeed, he told The Phil Hay Show: “He [Marsch] was asked about him [Bamford], said he’s in good fettle – I thought [that] indicated that he was going to start this weekend.
“Obviously, [Luis] Sinisterra’s got a one-match ban because of his red card last Sunday, so he’ll drop out. That creates a space in the squad, but also a space in the starting lineup.
“And Marsch mentioned Crysencio Summerville, who, in his words, is in his best form at this point, and I think indicating pretty heavily that he’s not a million miles away from starting.
“But he did also touch on the possibility of Bamford and Rodrigo being in the same team as they have been before, as they were at the very start of the season.
“I have a feeling that that’s what he’s going to lean towards if everybody’s fit and in good shape on Sunday morning. I can see it being Bamford up front with Rodrigo in behind.”
TIF Thoughts on Patrick Bamford and Leeds…
In that same press conference, Marsch spoke about how he had played the two forwards in the same team together before, saying: “We’ve had moments where Patrick and Rodrigo have both been healthy, looked at both of them on the pitch together.”
Evidently, that coupled with Bamford’s apparent return to fitness has been enough to convince Hay that Leeds will be starting the duo up top at the weekend as they take on Crystal Palace away from home in the Premier League.
To be fair, when both men were fit, this was how the Whites lined up on their opening game of the season – with Rodrigo playing in a withdrawn attacking role as they claimed a 2-1 win against Wolves, which suggests fielding the pair is the American’s preferred option.
And so, seeing as Marsch has this proven option to available him again, it would make a lot of sense for him to employ it once more this time around.
Will Patrick Bamford to start alongside Rodrigo this weekend?
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