Should Bamford start against Preston

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.





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.