Leeds United conclude their regular season with a home match against Southampton this afternoon.
The Whites head into today’s game needing a miracle to finish in the top two as they sit three points behind Ipswich Town in second place after their win over Coventry City on Tuesday.
Ipswich just need to avoid defeat at home to all but relegated Huddersfield Town to confirm second place, irrespective of how Leeds get on against the Saints.
With the play-offs highly likely, Daniel Farke will not only be hopeful of his side returning to form today, but also the return of a couple of injury doubts.
Patrick Bamford, Dan James, Connor Roberts, Pascal Struijk and Stuart Dallas were all absent from the squad that were beaten 4-0 at Queens Park Rangers eight days ago.
Patrick Bamford and Connor Roberts reportedly in Leeds squad today
Farke shared an update on all five players in his press conference earlier this week, confirming James, Struijk and Dallas would definitely be absent.
He left the door slightly ajar for the other two, though, suggesting there was still a chance Roberts could be on the bench having just made a return to training.
Farke was less sure on Bamford due to the fact he has only been able to train on his own this week, but certainly did not rule him out entirely.
And according to Leeds Live, both Bamford and Roberts are set to be named in Leeds’ squad this afternoon in what would be a welcome boost.
It is almost certain neither will start but if both can get onto the pitch at some point then that would be hugely beneficial ahead of the play-offs.
Predicted Leeds XI to face Southampton
As mentioned, even if Bamford is in the squad, there is little chance of him starting and so that should open up an opportunity up front.
Joel Piroe simply cannot start again after his horror show at QPR and with that in mind, Mateo Joseph has to be given his full league debut.
It would not be a surprise if Archie Gray was dropped into right-back again, either, with Glen Kamara coming back into midfield after a spell out of the team.
All of Leeds United’s focus will be on today’s final day clash with Southampton but loanee Jack Harrison was in action for Everton last night.
Harrison is now coming towards the end of his season-long-loan spell at Goodison Park with just two matches of Everton’s Premier League campaign remaining.
With no official option-to-buy included in the deal, it is still uncertain where Harrison will be playing his football next season, and he will no doubt have a keen eye on what his parent club do today, and across the coming weeks.
There is actually a clause in the deal which would allow Harrison to leave on loan again if Leeds do not get promoted, which would be good news for Everton given their recent financial issues.
If Leeds were to get promoted, that could change things. Sean Dyche is believed to want to keep him, and given the animosity felt towards the players who left on loan, it would benefit all parties for that to happen.
Everton media deliver verdict on Harrison performance vs Luton Town
Perhaps unsurprisingly to Leeds fans, Harrison has had a very up and down season at Everton, but ultimately, has helped them to retain their Premier League status.
The 27-year-old has scored just three goals since his summer move, but has often been praised for his work rate, something which he can never be criticised for.
And according to the Liverpool Echo, it was more of the same last night in Everton’s 1-1 draw away at Luton Town.
Harrison was handed a rating of seven for his work rate down the right-hand-side all night, but at the same time, was partly at fault for Luton’s equaliser after his ‘cheap’ give away.
They wrote: “Almost put Everton back in front with a deflected effort after he gave the ball away cheaply in the build-up to Luton’s equaliser but put in a real shift down the right, also making a crucial covering tackle on Alfie Doughty and an important clearance in stoppage time. 7.“
What has Sean Dyche said about a permanent move for Harrison?
Having delivered an excellent performance in Everton’s memorable Merseyside Derby victory over Liverpool last week, Dyche was asked about the prospect of signing Harrison.
While he certainly didn’t commit either way, he did half leave the door open for him to return by not completely ruling it out.
He said: “We’ll have to worry about that when we get to the summer because obviously we’re still in that flux position of not knowing quite where it is.
“We’re still planning as many things as we can, myself and Kev, scouts and staff are looking at how we could mould things here first and what’s outside of here. But it is the shift in sands at the moment.”
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