Why Leeds United attacker has to start vs Watford as competition for places hots up
The battle to lead Leeds United's attack is hotting up. Spanish Under-21 international Mateo Joseph stepped up off the bench to score his second Championship goal of the season in the Whites' deserved win at home to Sheffield United.
Joseph has jumped ahead of Patrick Bamford in the queue for a starting spot. Bamford has failed to rediscover the form he produced prior to the injury he suffered back in April, although manager Daniel Farke is adamant the experienced striker still has a big part to play in their promotion push.
But given the starring role Joel Piroe has played in United's rise up the table, both Bamford and Joseph may have to wait a little longer to get back into starting XI. Forwards are so often judged on their end product and Piroe has so far directly contributed to six goals in 342 minutes of Championship football. The Dutchman brilliantly created Joseph's goal in last Friday's Yorkshire derby with a sumptuous through ball.
READ MORE:Predicted Leeds United line up for Watford as Daniel Farke contemplates attacking change
READ MORE:Leeds United will soon add two players to their strongest matchday squad
Piroe is a man in form and has good memories from recent meetings with tonight's opponents Watford. The 24-year-old has notched three goals in his three league starts against Hornets, netting in this exact fixture last term.
The bookmakers have installed the Whites as big favourites to beat Watford to move into the automatic promotion places. But Farke is under no illusions at the size of the task facing United under the lights at Elland Road tonight.
"It’s a side who was used to playing in the Premier League,” he said. "If we're honest, they have played in the last 20 years more on the Premier League level than we have as a club. So for that, we always have to respect this and to be respectful.
“I think they have a really good blend out of some young talents, but especially also out of experienced players. Players like Angelo Ogbonna and Moussa Sissoko, they've played on the highest level, they know exactly what is necessary in order to win games.
“It's a pretty physical side, especially in the centre of the park, but they also have some creativity and goal threats up front."