da gbg bet： This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
da betsul： Just who starts upfront in this Leeds side has proven to be somewhat controversial at times this term.
Patrick Bamford has failed to score for six games in a row but has still started every single Championship outing this season.
It’s remarkable, therefore, that he and Eddie Nketiah have scored the same number of goals as each other in all competitions.
Leeds fans have called for Nketiah to start in recent weeks but the Arsenal loanee continues to be neglected.
Given the Gunners’ option to recall the forward in January and the fact Bristol City are still sniffing around him, they must be careful.
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On the chalkboard
Leeds have struggled to put away their chances this season and from a tally of 16.6 shots per match, they only sit joint-tenth for goals scored.
If they do want to achieve promotion this term, it’s a record that will have to improve.
Whether that involves instating Nketiah to the side remains to be seen, but judging by the recent displays of Helder Costa, perhaps more patience is required.
Bielsa’s tactics have been questioned but for those who were calling for Costa to start, the cries are yet to be vindicated.
Since the Portuguese came into the team he’s failed to be involved in a single goal and his display against Charlton was particularly disappointing.
He was then lumped off at half-time versus Millwall too.
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YEP’s Graham Smyth revealed how the Argentine was visibly angry with Costa a number of weeks ago and perhaps it was his inability to adapt to instructions in training and when he arrived that meant he started on the bench so regularly.
The 25-year-old wasn’t trusted and after completing just one key pass and two dribbles in his last three outings, it’s not too much of a surprise.
So perhaps this is why Nketiah hasn’t been playing either. The 20-year-old clearly isn’t doing something right and for Bamford to continue to start is rather damning on his part.
If anything, this is a ‘careful what you wish for scenario’. Costa has been underwhelming since coming into the starting XI so who’s to say his fellow loanee wouldn’t also struggle. After all, Bielsa is the one who gets to see his players every day.
It could go one of two ways but quite possibly, Bielsa’s caution is understandable. Patience will undoubtedly be required with Nketiah.