BBC journalist Adam Pope has set a goal target for Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford if he can remain fit for half the season for the Whites.
Bamford has already missed two out of the opening four Championship games at the start of the season due to injuries and is no longer a certainty in the starting eleven.
Mateo Joseph has started the new campaign as the Leeds number 9 and the veteran striker’s two league appearances have come from the bench.
His injury struggles since last season have meant that Daniel Farke has decided against gambling on his fitness and has earmarked Joseph as the main man up front for Leeds this term.
Bamford is expected to regain fitness and be part of the Leeds squad when they host Burnley at Elland Road on Saturday.
Journalist sets expectations from Patrick Bamford this season
Bamford scored eight times in 33 Championship appearances last season with only 15 of those games coming in the starting eleven.
With Leeds opting against signing a striker in the summer, he is likely to be involved this term if he remains fit and Pope believes the veteran attacker can still contribute.
He is expecting Bamford to be in and around last season’s tally this time as well if he can remain fit and ready to play at least half of the campaign.
“We just don’t know what you are going to get out of Patrick this year, are you?”, Pope said on the BBC’s Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet podcast.
“If you do get half the season, you are probably going to get eight or nine goals.”
Bamford will hope to play some part against Burnley, even if it is from the bench, on Saturday if he is fit and ready to be in the squad.
The 31-year-old still has a contract until 2026 and remains a proven performer in the Championship with 69 goals in 202 appearances.
