Good Morning. It's Thursday 10th April, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Should Bamford start against Preston Leeds fans were treated to a nostalgic glimpse of Patrick Bamford's capabilities during his cameo against Middlesbrough on Tuesday night. Introduced in the 72nd minute, only his second appearance since returning from injury, Bamford injected a spark into the Leeds attack. While his disallowed goal was a talking point, later deemed an incorrect decision, it was Bamford's overall impact that truly resonated. Beyond the near-goal, his hold-up play proved crucial in unsettling the Middlesbrough defence. He demonstrated the ability to dictate play and provide a focal point that had been missing. Statistically, Bamford's impact was undeniable. Despite his limited minutes, he won more duels than any other Leeds player on the pitch. This statistic highlights his physical presence and willingness to battle for possession. He displayed tenacity, even winning a tackle near the sidelines while grounded, showcasing a commitment to fighting for every ball. This brief but impactful performance raises the question: Should he start on Saturday against Preston? While his fitness levels after his latest injury are a concern, his ability to win duels, hold up the ball, and create opportunities could be vital in unlocking the Preston defence. please log in to view this image Twelve points will do it With just five games remaining, the equation is becoming clearer, and the good news is that Leeds' destiny is firmly in their own hands. Currently sitting two points ahead of Sheffield United, Leeds hold a crucial advantage. But the gap is only part of the story. Their superior goal difference compared to both the Blades and Burnley offers a significant safety net. In a tight race, goal difference can be the ultimate decider, essentially acting as an extra point. Adding another layer of intrigue is the upcoming clash between Sheffield United and Burnley. This pivotal fixture guarantees that at least one of Leeds' rivals will drop points, further bolstering their promotion prospects. Let's break down the potential scenarios. If Burnley were to win all their remaining games, they would reach a maximum of 100 points. In that scenario, Sheffield United could only accumulate a maximum of 12 points from their remaining fixtures, leaving them with 95. Conversely, if Sheffield United win all five, they get to 98, leaving Burnley a maximum of 97. A draw between the two with both winning their other games puts Burnley on 98 and Sheffield United on 96. What does this all mean for Leeds? Essentially, the highest possible points total that either Sheffield United or Burnley can realistically achieve while still missing out on the top two is 97. Crucially, this means that Leeds needs a maximum of just 12 points to secure automatic promotion, thanks to that invaluable goal difference. In essence, four wins from their remaining five games will guarantee Leeds a return to the Premier League. The pressure is undoubtedly on, but the path to promotion is laid out before them. The roar of Elland Road can almost be heard, urging the team on to seize their destiny and secure those crucial twelve points. The final sprint is on, and Leeds are in a prime position to cross the finish line in style. please log in to view this image
Morning all I’d not start Bamford, I’d give him 20 minutes at the end though. He looked okay when he came on, good goal disallowed. He might yet still make a contribution towards promotion, we also need to keep him fit and get him in the shop window. Ipswich are going to lose Delap, they might be silly enough to sign another ex Leeds player
Moaning all. Not looking at points needed to be honest. We’ve just won our second game in six so talking of four wins in five could be still classed as optimistic. It’s likely we won’t need that hopefully as Burnley and blunts don’t look in form to win all their remaining games except against each other of course. But who knows, before the international break some thought we were home and hosed such is the unpredictability of the championship. Still all to play for at top and bottom whereas the useless premier league was decided at both ends about two months ago
I would start Bamford or Joseph. Piroe has been carried most of the season.hes not a good footballer cant jump and is slow in possession and in decision making. you can say but hes scoring goals but so he should with the amount of goal scoring chances we have made this season if im being even more critical he should have more.
But for him and DJ we'd be goosed goal wise ....and you don't win games without goals simple... What's the alternative Joseph or a barely fit paddy? Every striker has patches of form and he's barely missed a game all season starting or sub think it's 41 overall, paddy hopefully will stay fit for the last 5 games to give an alternative for farke to mull over, a bit of harsh criticism for our leading scorer imo
He gets a hard time, we play Bamford and we moan that he does the other stuff but he is a striker, paid to score goals, we have Piroe, second in the goal scoring chart and we moan he doesn't do that other stuff despite scoring goals. Assuming we get promoted we need a better striker and goalkeeper and that is a huge concern as they could virtually wipe our our entire budget but that is a later debate
Reports from Spain are saying that if Barcelona win the champions league, Leeds will earn £10m due to a clause in Raphinhas contract, he has already contributed enough to qualify for the payout even if he didn't make the final
Raphinha was another one people were moaning about ffs doesn’t do this that or the other blah blah blah. Even the best players are allowed quiet spells but not Raphinha, Solomon or Tanaka apparently
Bamford has successfully at last managed 30 minutes of football and not much more. According to some he's like the second coming and is suddenly available for full games. I doubt there is 45 minutes in him and wont be for remaining five games. Given Joseph offers nothing wed better hope Piroe stays fit for rest of season cos the main striker role will rest firmly on his shoulders
Possibly the greatest talent Ive ever seen live in a Leeds shirt. It was early 80's when I first travelled over
I’d give Paddy a maximum 30 minutes on Saturday. Against a hopefully tiring defence he might just get his mojo back. I understand the frustration with Piroe, but imo he’s the most clinical finisher we have and we might not get too many chances with DJ missing. MOT
Agree but nobody has had the same game time as Piroe btw bammers and Joseph. Would you take Piroe to the Prem with us personally I wouldnt.
A clean sheet again Saturday and sneak a goal and it will be declared a terrific result. Just want all hands to the pumps effort from here in
Had my phone off for two days. Sat in the sun in Cape Verde for 11 days. Back in time for bank holiday Monday game. I found a sports bar on my morning run but it's 2 miles away. There is very little reception anywhere. I'm literally in the middle of nowhere. Prolly a bit less stressful from here.
Good morning all Totally agree, wins are all that is important now, not the style of them. Were almost their, have a feeling not even us will fck up now
Please everyone do n Please everyone do not bookmark the above if it all goes tits up, that's all i ask