Daniel Farke might consider altering his starting lineup following Leeds United’s defeat to Coventry City, according to Jon Newsome.
Leeds suffered their first Championship loss of 2024 as Ellis Simms and Haji Wright secured a 2-1 victory away from home on April 6.
While this setback could have dampened the Whites’ hopes for automatic promotion, Ipswich Town’s derby defeat to Norwich City softened the blow.
With a quick turnaround ahead, Farke and his team face Sunderland on April 9, just three days after their encounter with Coventry.
Newsome suggested on BBC Radio Leeds that changes might be in store for the Elland Road clash.
He stated, “I think there may well be a number of changes on Tuesday night. I think that could possibly be one of them [Roberts to right-back, Gray into midfield]. I would not be surprised if Patrick [Bamford] was on the bench and he gives Joseph a start. He’s the manager, that’s what he gets paid for.”
The question arises: should Mateo Joseph feature in Leeds United’s lineup against Sunderland?
Bamford led the attack against Coventry, having scored seven goals and provided one assist in 30 matches, according to FotMob.
Throughout the season, the striker position has seen rotation, with Bamford starting 13 games and Joel Piroe making 28 starts.
Joining them in recent weeks has been Joseph, who has appeared in 16 matches but is yet to start a Championship game. However, he did score his first league goal against Watford shortly after coming off the bench.
Joseph’s standout moment of the season occurred against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, where he scored a brace in an FA Cup defeat.
As the season enters its final stages and games come thick and fast, affording Bamford a rest could be beneficial. Joseph could provide that option, though Piroe or Georginio Rutter might also be considered for the starting role.
Regardless, a change in the lineup seems likely given the demanding schedule.