A look at the latest Leeds United headlines on Wednesday, 4 January.
Patrick Bamford set for extended spell on sidelines after Leeds United blow
Football Insider claims Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford is set for an extended spell on the sidelines as he continues his recovery from a groin injury. The 29-year-old is recovering from a hernia operation he undertook last month and hasn't played since October.
However, the report claims Bamford is struggling with his recovery and could be ruled out for longer than originally expected. Last season he made 21 senior appearances in all competitions with only 11 of those being starts.
The Whites' striker has struggled with injuries once again this season and has been a major factor in his struggles in front of goal.
Leeds United vs West Ham TV channel, live stream details and how to watch Premier League clash
Leeds United will prepare to host West Ham United at Elland Road on Wednesday night as both sides look for their first Premier League win since returning from the winter break.
The Whites have had the toughest restart out of any top-flight team since their return on Boxing Day with matches against two of the top three. Despite that, they still managed to pick out a hard-fought point against Newcastle which sets them up in good stead for the Hammers.
West Ham have been the surprising team for a lot of people this season - and not for the right reasons. Nothing seems to be going David Moyes' side's way who have won just one of their last seven league matches.
Full Leeds United squad revealed for West Ham clash as attacking duo remain absent
Leeds United will be looking for their first win since the return of the Premier League as they host visitors West Ham at Elland Road on tonight.
The clash will be head coach Jesse Marsch's first-ever match against the Hammers and he has no new injury concerns as the Whites try and climb further up the Premier League and away from the relegation zone.
Forwards Patrick Bamford and Luis Sinisterra are two of Marsch's key players missing, as the Englishman recovers from his groin surgery while the Colombian deals with a foot injury he suffered against Fulham back in October.
Leeds United could see an immediate on-pitch impact from Max Wober vs West Ham
Which system?
The 4-3-3 was favoured by Jesse Marsch through Leeds United’s friendlies and Manchester City, but the 4-2-3-1 came roaring back at Newcastle United on New Year’s Eve. With a struggling West Ham United visiting Elland Road, the head coach has to take the initiative in this match and his formation will dictate that.
Tyler Adams, for example, is yet to be used in the 4-3-3, but he has prospered in the 4-2-3-1. Could he be even better with another midfielder alongside him?
Wober paraded?
With Max Wober’s signature confirmed on Tuesday morning and his exclusion from tonight’s matchday squad already established, the Austrian could well be introduced pre-match. The defender will not get a better opportunity to sample a packed Elland Road given how focused he will be on preparing for games from here on out.
West Ham insider issues Leeds United with familiar foe warning but highlights weakness to exploit
Leeds United will be chasing their first win of the New Year this evening when they welcome West Ham United to Elland Road.
Ahead of the contest, we caught up with Football.London’s West Ham United writer Jonty Colman for the lowdown on the Hammers.
It’s fair to say West Ham United have struggled this season, but what’s the mood in east London like as we enter the new year?
Not good, in all honesty. I think there is such an expectation on the club considering how impressive the last two seasons have been, both domestically and in Europe. They enter the Leeds game level on points with the relegation zone (at the time of writing) off the back of five straight league defeats, their worst run since April 2017.
Of those five, they have lost at home to Brentford, Crystal Palace and Leicester City, all games where really, they should be aiming to take maximum points. On top of that, they have spent around £160m on eight summer signings and not many, if any of them, have matched the bill so far. The next few games feel massive, especially with a very tricky February to come.
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