Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa makes Patrick Bamford admission amid Championship promotion push
Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa has admitted that he faces a selection headache for the Whites' Championship game against Huddersfield on Saturday, and he could drop striker Patrick Bamford in favour of youngster Tyler Roberts, with the 21-year-old scoring twice against Hull last weekend.
Leeds: Marcelo Bielsa reacts to win against Hull City
Leeds United star Patrick Bamford could be dropped for the Championship match against Huddersfield this weekend, Marcelo Bielsa has revealed. The boss admitted that he could choose to start Tyler Roberts as the club’s sole striker, after he bagged a brace against Hull City on Saturday.
Roberts was brought onto the pitch with just 20 minutes remaining in the match.
He replaced Bamford, who has now scored just two goals since Christmas.
With the score at 2-0 to Leeds when Roberts entered the game, the 21-year-old ended up scoring twice as Bielsa’s side maintained their five-point promotion cushion over Fulham.
After his impressive performance, the Leeds manager confirmed that Bamford is under pressure.
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Roberts has only made four Championship start this season, and has largely been playing second fiddle to Bamford, and Eddie Nketiah before January.
He’s also had his problems with injury this season, having missed 16 league games.
But, Roberts’ brace against Hull has opened the door to Bamford being dropped to the bench for the first time since New Year’s Day.
Roberts was signed by Leeds from West Brom in January 2018, for £2.5million.
Leeds news: Bamford has scored two goals since Christmas (Image: GETTY Images)
Meanwhile, Bielsa lauded his team after their 4-0 win over Hull on Saturday.
“In the first half, we didn’t defend well,” said Bielsa after the match.
“We started the game with one line of four defenders and after we changed with a line of three defenders. In the second half the second goal helped us.
“Illan [Meslier] was calm, confident, he took risks, and was good in the area. He gave us the feeling that he was confident.”