---
title: "Leeds: Patrick Bamford backed to start vs Chelsea"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-premier-league-patrick-bamford-chelsea-phil-hay-news-updates/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Leeds United News"
published: "2023-03-04T10:40:28Z"
modified: "2023-03-04T10:40:28Z"
---

# Leeds: Patrick Bamford backed to start vs Chelsea

**[Leeds United](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-news/) striker [Patrick Bamford](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tag/patrick-bamford/) is likely to start his side’s [Premier League](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league-news/) clash with Chelsea, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.**

### The Lowdown: Big game for Leeds

The Whites are back in action this weekend and they make the trip to historical rivals Chelsea for a meeting between two struggling sides.

Leeds continue to battle relegation, although last weekend’s 1-0 win over Southampton was huge, while the Blues are languishing in mid-table under Graham Potter.

It is a massive afternoon for both sides and Whites boss Javi Gracia has a key decision to make when it comes to naming his starting lineup at Stamford Bridge.

### The Latest: Bamford backed to start

Writing in Q&A for [*The Athletic*](https://theathletic.com/4266410/2023/03/03/leeds-score-chelsea-lufc-cfc/) on Saturday morning, Hay said he believes Bamford will get the nod in attack:

He said:

*“I reckon he’ll probably start with Bamford. We were saying on the poddy that it’s a big one to throw Rutter into – but then again he is a £30m player so it’s not asking that much. I just feel, like you say, that Bamford is more effective from the start.”*

### The Verdict: Better performance required

Bamford has really struggled to return to his 2020/21 form since a string of injury problems – he [scored 17 league goals](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/109670/History/Patrick-Bamford) that year – with his performances lacking a spark for a sustained period now.

\[freshpress-quiz id=“418869″\]

In fact, the 29-year-old has [netted just once in the league](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/109670/Show/Patrick-Bamford) in 17 appearances this season, appearing to be a yard slower and simply not looking as confident in front of goal.

Starting the [£70,000-a-week](https://www.spotrac.com/epl/leeds-united-fc/patrick-bamford-49613/) Bamford at Chelsea is, therefore, a risk, but the hope is that his experience shines through on the day and his hold-up play allows Leeds to be a threat on the counter-attack.

Recent signing Georginio Rutter could then be used as an impact substitute later in the game, taking advantage of tiring legs and replacing his older teammate in attack.