After a bitterly disappointing defeat to automatic promotion rivals Norwich City at the weekend, Leeds United are in danger of losing their place in the top two despite an impressive season thus far.

It was shaping up to a cracker in Yorkshire as two magnificent teams prepared to do battle at Elland Road, with an invaluable three points up for stake in the hunt for promotion to the top flight.

But the Whites were blown away by the Canaries, as goals from Mario Vrancic and Teemu Pukki sealed a fantastic 3-1 away win for Norwich, after Patrick Bamford netted a late consolation for Marcelo Bielsa's men.

It must have been a huge weight off Bamford's shoulders after enduring a torrid season with injuries thus far, but he once again proved that he is more than capable of leading the line for Leeds.

It's not the first time this season that the 25-year-old has come off the bench and instantly made an impact - he came off the bench to score the winner against Bolton in December, and after making a return from injury, came on to replace Kemar Roofe and immediately find the back of the net.

Here, we take a look at three reasons why Bielsa should start Bamford instead of Roofe...

He'd offer a different dimension to Leeds' attack

Marcelo Bielsa may have been found guilty of spying on opponents this term, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out that Leeds' style of play is all about pace and pressing.

Roofe plays an integral role in this, and also offers key movement in behind which can cause real problems for the opposition - but whilst this may have been effective in the early stages of the campaign, it's starting to become too predictable now.

Norwich nullified Roofe's threat, and the former Oxford United man was incredibly quiet at the weekend, so perhaps Bielsa should look to bring in Bamford.

He is a completely different player to Roofe - he does offer movement in behind, but is renowned for his physical prowess and aerial threat more than anything.

A break would be beneficial for Roofe

After firing on all cylinders in the early parts of this season, the goals are now beginning to dry up for Roofe.

The 26-year old has scored just one goal in his last six league outings, and as alluded to before, he has looked lost in the last few weeks, especially against Norwich.

We've seen the likes of Britt Assombalonga mark his return to the team with a brace against West Brom at the weekend, after a short break from the starting line-up, and this could be the same for Roofe if he is given a break.

Bamford is full of confidence

After coming off the bench to score the winner against Bolton and instantly marking his return to the team with a goal at the weekend, Bamford will be feeling very confident of getting back on the score-sheet against his former club Middlesbrough next week.

He's a clinical striker at this level when given a consistent run of games, as demonstrated when he scored 13 goals for Boro last season, and fresh after scoring two goals in his last two games since returning from injury, it's a massive boost for both himself and Leeds United.