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William Jackson

Leeds United line-up vs Bournemouth as Bamford dropped and Gnonto given the nod

Leeds United may have brought an end to their run of defeats on Tuesday night against Leicester City, but it was still far from the perfect performance and changes must be made once more, in my opinion. One of them will almost certainly be enforced following the injury Luis Sinisterra picked up against the Foxes.

The other comes up front after what was another difficult evening for Patrick Bamford in the number nine role. Bamford turned in a strong performance off the ball but couldn’t make a real impact on it and he simply had to finish the chance that fell his way in the closing moments of the game.

Although Rodrigo is struggling to complete 90 minutes at the moment, I’d have him leading the line at the Vitality Stadium, with a bit of a shake-up occurring behind him. Following the hammer blow that Sinisterra has been ruled out for the rest of the season, I want to see Wilfried Gnonto finally given the chance he deserves to make his mark under Gracia.

Read more: Javi Gracia confirms Luis Sinisterra will miss the rest of Leeds United's season

The Italian didn’t get on the pitch at all against Leicester, but with an opening in the side, he simply has to play this weekend. Leeds need goals and Gnonto has shown himself to be capable of producing moments of magic at the drop of a hat.

Jack Harrison keeps his spot on the other wing, while I’d like to see Weston McKennie play in the number 10 role. He had a better game on Tuesday but I think he could be suited to a more advanced role.

He would have the freedom to get forward when in possession as he likes to do and out of possession he would be able to drop back and slot into a midfield three reasonably well. I thought Marc Roca struggled once more last time out, but the addition of Adam Forshaw alongside him would act to shore things up.

The backline wasn’t flawless on Tuesday night, but it was the best defensive showing in a little while and therefore I’d leave it unchanged, unless Max Wober is passed fit, of course.

Will’s XI: Meslier; Ayling, Koch, Cooper, Firpo; Forshaw, Roca; Harrison, McKennie, Gnonto; Rodrigo.

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