The withdean is without fear for Grayson.
By: Tim |
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Many describe it as one of the worst, if not the worst place to visit as a fan and one of the worst stadiums to play in.
Up until two seasons ago, the near 600 mile trip was never a happy one for anyone concerned at Leeds United.
And the one thing that gets the blame for poor performances is the ground.
Excuses include the fact that players have to change in a portakabin and that the players aren’t used to playing at such a ground.
This is League One football, you won’t get bowling green pitches and 50,000 seater stadiums with luxury changing rooms. Get used to it.
A refreshing stance on the withdean came from boss Simon Grayson at his weekly press conference. Many would start to go on about the ground and how hard it would be to play there, but Grayson summed it up beautifully.
“Too much is made of the stadium by the media – it’s a stadium with a game played on grass and most of our players have played there.”
Too right. And most of the squad have played there and our last two trips have resulted in victories. Unfortunately an enforced break from action due to internationals mean Leeds have had a longer break, but this has happened earlier in the season and it didn’t seem to affect us.
Leeds are there to be shot at, top of the league still by four points and with only one defeat, every team will want a priceless victory against us.
No more than Gus Poyet. The former assisstant manager to Dennis Wise at Leeds is now the boss at Brighton and has had two wins from his opening two games.
Safe to say he isn’t looking for revenge as his departure from Elland Road wasnt in acrimonious circumstances. the chance of joining Tottenham was hard to say no too, and many Leeds fans regard him as the brains behind the partnership with Wise as results tumbled soon after his departure.
But he will want to carry on the fine recent form to help push his side further away from the drop zone.
He has strikers in form with Nicky Forster and former Leeds loanee Liam Dickinson banging in the goal up front for the Seagulls. And the Whites who have the best defence in the football league will need to be exactly that, as Forster especially is on fire.
Leeds are set to welcome back a few familiar names after lengthy injury this week, but will most certainly miss out this weekend. Crowe, Becchio and Higgs are all back in training as is Rui Marques. Crowe, Becchio and Marques should be back in contention for Tuesday’s match against Leyton Orient at Elland Road, even if its on the bench.
Ben Parker though is still out after having several tears in his hamstring on the opening day of the season which lead to hip surgery.
But he is on course with his rehabilitation, and in a interview on the Leeds website, he impressed me immensely with his maturity to his injury at the age of just 22.
“I’ve seen some people who’ve been injured for a while who don’t want to talk to you because they are in such a bad mood.
“I’ve not been like that. If I have a smile on my face I hope it will rub off other people. I’m not a doom and gloom person.”
Good on him. it’s refreshing to see that from a young footballer and I wish him all the best for his recovery. But hopefully he can watch on as Leeds pick up another good win tomorrow.
Category: News
Gradel stays on.
By: Tim | Add Comments
A shrewd move that many Leeds fans were calling for and one duly delievered by manager Simon Grayson.
Max Gradel who has been with us for a month now on loan from Leicester has lit up Elland Road since his cameo sub appearance against Norwich.
He single handedly turned the game on its head in his ten minutes on the pitch and won the MOM award.
Very few players on a one month loan make such an impact with Leeds United fans. Very easily, perhaps too easily, Leeds fans dont give new players much of a chance, one bad appearance and they’re castigated for life.
But one thing Gradel had on his side was that debut performance. Pacy, skillful, intelligent with the ball, he give excitement for the fans on the wing for the first time since, dare i say it, Harry Kewell.
Maybe a comparison thats a bit premature, but I honestly can’t think of an out and out winger who has made such an impact.
Luckily Leicester could see how happy he was at Elland Road and let us extend his loan until January.
Max has said himself he’s very happy at the club, playing regularly, getting himself the odd goal and with a team top of the league and playing with confidence. It’s a side most players would want to be with.
And with Leicester flying high in the championship following their promotion last season, there could be a better chance of a permanent signing as Gradel was nowhere near the first team before his loan move.
But right now i can’t see it happening unfortunately, the foxes were stupid enough to let Paddy Kisnorbo go on a free to us, i can’t see them making that mistake twice. But by ‘eck i hope they do!
Category: NewsPhotographers kicked out and decide to stay out!
By: Tim | 3 Comments
It seems a new row between Ken Bates and the rest of the world starts.
Get out of my pub.....i mean club.
Basically Mr Bates in his infinite wisdom has BANNED all photographers from Elland Road bar two. One of which is based at Elland Road.
It’s not fully known why this is, but the PA have now imposed a ban on any photography involving Leeds United players in any of their publications.
And any Leeds away games which has pictures will only use Leeds players as background rather than prominent in the pictures.
A shocking and shameful situation. As a freelance journalist, this situation is saddening because of the exposure Leeds will miss out on. PA is one of the top news outlets producing articles, radio and pictures.
Most national papers and magazines use their images and so if we won the title and/or JPT, no celebratory pictures would be shown in the papers. And this for me is truly disappointing.
How long have we waited to be recognised nationally for our achievements rather than our failings. And thanks to dear chairman, our praise for any future events will be confined to a few lines a few pages back in the sport section of the papers.
One rumour is that we want to control any image of Leeds United that is shown in the press. Its not like the papparazzi though is it?! They’re players on a pitch what could they possible want to control?
Look out Bradley Johnson slipped in a puddle, that could make us look stupid. Oh no Jermaine Beckford tripped over his shoe laces, we could lose a generation of fans. Oh christ Jonny Howson has slapped a player with a aubergine, this could make us look bad!
Unless our player decide to happy slap the opposition on the pitch, why should we control the images of players on the pitch. They’re playing football!
But woe is me, it seems it’s because Bates wants any pictures to have advertising hoardings from the ground to be seen in the images to appease their sponsors.
Ignoring the fact that the players themselves are becoming glorified sandwich boards anyway, does any sponsor of advertising within the ground realistically think they’re going to get their sign in any of the pictures?
Of course they don’t, they never have and at no other club has anyone ever complained. Because they know that theres thousands inside the ground viewing it, theres huge banners outside the ground which people can see even if they don’t go to the game.
So why his this become a problem now? For decades advertisers have happily paid money to get their banners seen inside the ground and out, no-one has ever publically said anything, it’s just happened.
Part and parcel of the modern game, and to be honest, if they’re so insistent of having their banner shown in a match day photograph and jepordizing the clubs publicity on a national an international basis, they’re not worth dealing with. It’s about the club, it’s about helping Leeds United first and foremost.
We’re one step away from tattooing adverts on players heads, you can see them in the pictures then. Casper Ankergren with Durex on his head, Luciano Becchio with L’Oreal spread across his cheeks and aquafresh ingrained on his teeth.
This can only damage Leeds United with the press. It seemed after recent fine displays in the league and against Liverpool in the cup, we started to win them over for the first time in years.
A young manager everyone is excited about almost outwitting one of europes top managers in Benitez. A brand of football that gets results, with exciting players like Robert Snodgrass having £7m left backs ‘on toast’ and a squad of players to be proud of.
Shame no-one will get to see those fine players celebrating wins and showing their passion now. We’ll just give way to Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard and let millions across the country see their ugly mugs and worship them.
Whilst those hard working players and manager who work tirelessly to give us a team that we can finally be proud of without being arrogant or cocky about it, are just ignored and forgotten.
Category: NewsLeeds march on through, but I’m not bothered about the FA Cup.
By: Tim | Add Comments
Leeds comfortably strode through to round two of the FA cup with a 2-0 away win at Oldham Athletic. Something which will delight most Leeds fans. But if i’m being honest I wasn’t too fussed.
Controversial maybe as once again someone is downgrading the finest cup competition in the world. And I agree that it is. My arguement of not being bothered stems from the fact that for me, the league is the biggest priority.
We have a commanding position at the top of league one. 7 points clear and with a superior goal difference. And getting out of League One and making sure we don’t mess it up is the biggest concern and worry.
As a Leeds fan i’m used to seeing my side somehow mess it up but never from such a commanding position and i don’t want this to happen.
The FA cup has its magic and is a fine competition, but if we had been knocked out last night, it really wouldn’t have concerned me. We’re never going to win the cup, i’d rather concentrate on something we can win. I think thats the league and the JPT.
Another reason for sacrificing the FA cup this season is the fear of drawing a non-league side away again like last season, and being forced to watch a debacle of exceptional proportions on a mud laden pitch in the driving rain leading to my team once being humiliated in front of the nation. Again.
So guess who we’ve got in round two. Kettering Town. Away. Oh crap.
3rd in the conference and knocked out a League one team yesterday, it’s Histon mark II written all over it.
One may argue that things are different under Simon Grayson, he knows how to grind out results and under him I am the most confident we can win, but its still a 70-30 advantage to fear of being knocked out.
But there is something different about this team under Grayson and once again last night, Leeds got a solid result away in a landmark match.
The first ever FA cup match to be shown on the internet (officially i may hasten to add!) and although i didn’t watch it cause i was busy, the goals i did see afterwards were of good quality.
Jonny Howson with a beautiful wisping shot across Flahavan into the top left hand corner for one nil. And American substitute Mike Grella got on the end of youngster and fellow sub Aidy White’s cross for two nil.
Pleasing to see Grella score and to see White getting a brief appearance and making it count.
White has made huge strides since his first team debut against Crytsal Palace in the 4-0 Carling Cup demolition of the eagles. Starting at left back at the age of 16, he didn’t look out of place and once again many Leeds fans we were watching another potential first teamer rising through the ranks. And left back isn’t even his first choice position. Even more impressive.
When he did come on it was on his preferred left wing position and made it count.
But again i can’t help but think, yes there may be some small financial rewards from the Cup (and no doubt the Kettering match will be shown on TV to give us a bit more money), the prospect of further humiliation which could derail our season ,as it did last season, is something that worries me.
The FA cup does have its magic, but it’s a magic i’d happily trade for the League One title and promotion.
So when the Kettering game happens i’ll be in bed, with the covers over my eyes, waiting for it all to end so hopefully it’ll be back to the league and the more important pressing matters.
Category: NewsThe gap widens
By: Tim | Add Comments
It could well be one of the best and season defining weekends for everyone concerned at Leeds United.
A win against Yeovil and with Charlton and Colchester losing it means the Whites extend their lead at the top to 7 points. And with a goal difference of plus 21, it’s effectively 8 points.
And the last two results have gone a long way to telling us alot about the side and extending that lead.
Bristol Rovers and Yeovil now gone down 4-0 in two games extending the goal difference by plus 8, and showing that the defeat to Millwall is well and truly out of their system.
No doubt the lead has alot to do with the quality in the team, but the togetherness is staggering and manager Simon Grayson has uncovered some gems and polished up some that were gathering dust.
A game changing player has been Max Gradel. In the last three games he has come on off the bench, the whole complexity of the game has altered.
His efforts were rewarded yesterday with a goal but his general pace and wing play has lit up Elland Road. It’s been a while since Leeds have had an out and out winger. With all the pace and attribute that this provides.
A good winger excites the crowd, gets them rejuvenated when things are looking down. They can turn the game and deliver that bit of quality when needed. Which Gradel has done every time.
It’s having that quality on the bench that helps widen the gap at the top.
Another player that has done wonders recently, and praise also has to be given to Grayson is Tresor Kandol. Two goals in the last two games saw that somersaulting Congolese striker back in the headlines and back in the hearts of Leeds fans.
Anyone who at the start of the season who is a Leeds fan and said they really wanted him to stay is probably lying. Hardly making an apperance and apparently ambling on in the reserves, his future seemed bleak. But credit where it’s due, he’s been given the chance and taken it.
With Grella, Becchio and Somma injured and Showunmi struggling for form, Kandol is now a crucial player for Leeds and like Gradel is now an impact sub who went brought on is expected to shake things up and change the game.
And like Gradel he’s done that everytime so far. And long may it continue.
Category: NewsYou wanted a reaction Simon.
By: Tim | Add Comments
There should now be a new entry into the dictionary for reaction. Because after Leeds’ 4-0 hammering of Bristol Rovers following their 2-1 defeat at Millwall last weekend showed the best definition of the word. Ever.
After losing their first game of the season at the New Den, it could have been one of those games that suddenly saw the league leaders start a temporary downward spiral.
Boss and fans alike asked for said reaction. And got it. By jove they got it!
Rovers haven’t had the best of runs going into the game and were there for the taking. But at the same time the memorial ground isn’t the easiest place to visit. Many teams have gone down here and Leeds could have easily done the same.
But instead of the latter, the Whites went for the former and went for the juggular. After a defeat, what did they have to lose.
Jermaine Beckford once again showed his class at this level with two goals, on loan Sam Vokes opened his Leeds account and from the shadows came Tresor Kandol for his first league goal of the season three minutes from time.
But what stood out in the four goals was the superb build up play. The midfield has been criticized recently, but if they were accused of going missing, they well and truly found themselves again (and i don’t mean in the strange hippy way, come on, can anyone really find themselves within themselves!) with some creative play and neat passing. It would’ve been rude for the three strikers to not take their goals.
Plus a clean sheet, the first hopefully of money with Kisnorbo and Naylor at the back. It’s the centre back partnership many Leeds fans were dying to see. This season’s best centre back teamed with last season’s. It was a mouthwatering prospect. But so far it hadn’t come off in the couple of matches they have had together.
But it worked on Tuesday night and ‘The Gas’ hardly had a sniff of Casper’s goal (a massive fumble alomst leading to a goal meant that was a very good thing).
This was the reaction/response that shows the hallmark of champions. To lose your first game and the only unbeaten record could have caused others not used to it to crumble. But this team has clearly had a winning mentality installed within them, like some kind of advanced microchip which activates after registering a setback.
The team ethic, the work ethic, and importantly the quality was on show. Bristol are 6th in the league. They are no pushovers.
Grayson kept faith with the team that lost against Millwall which suprised many but any confidence lost was regained by those same group of players.
And looking to tomorrow’s match against Yeovil at Elland Road, it should be the same team with Grayson re-iterating that Becchio is not match fit yet. And it seems Higgs and Crowe aren’t fit yet either.
Yeovil were notorious for being a pushover away from home, and up until ironically their win at Bristol they hadnt won or scored away from home. They have back to back wins and are unbeaten in 6 putting them in the nosebleed territory of 12th in the table.
But saying that, i can’t see past a Leeds win. It won’t be as easy as the 4-0 result of last season because of the run they are on, but Leeds with the same squad and the unbeaten home league run going since January, should come out with a win. Already 4 points clear, Leeds could look very comfortable by the end of the weekend.
No response or reaction needed, just more of the same please.
Category: NewsWell…..it had to happen didn’t it
By: Tim | Add Comments
I suppose sooner or later we had to lose. And lose we did. Fair enough, can’t really complain with the start we’ve had to the season. One thing that slightly wrankles with me, it had to be to Millwall.
They have been a bogey team for us without question. Home and away, we just struggle to get a result. And once again it alluded us, the win or even a draw, just anything but defeat to a team that it’s hard as a Leeds fan not to hate purely because of how many times they’ve beaten us and caused me heartbreak.
But luckily we don’t have long to lick our wounds. Our rearranged match against Bristol Rovers is tomorrow night at the memorial ground. The Gas as they are affectionately known, (maybe not affectionately i don’t know, depend what kind of gas your talking about really) started the season brilliantly and in the last few games have dropped off the pace a bit and after a defeat to Yeovil at home, they will be like Leeds a wounded animal.
Two teams both coming into the match on the back of defeats is like a man being kicked in the groin. It hurts, your pissed off and you’re looking to extract revenge on whoever is in your way.
So don’t expect this match to be pretty. It’ll be scrappy, messy, and a fight. Whoever reacts best to that kick in the groin will come out on top. Apologies for the slightly unneccesary analogy, but it’s the best i could think of at the time.
Set pieces must be worked on by boss Simon Grayson as they were Leeds’ downfall against Millwall, and generally getting the defence a bit more solid. From hardly conceeding, we’re developing a strange habit of leaking goals. Maybe a coincidence, but unusually it’s since Naylor has come back in. Harsh, but it’s what has happened. Maybe brought back too soon after injury.
Also it’s since Higgs has been out of the team that we’ve leaked a frew more goals. But with on loan keeper Frank Fielding going back to Blackburn, it might mean that Higgs is nearing a return.
Leeds legend Eddie Gray commented on Yorkshire Radio that the central midfield didn’t get into the game. Howson and Doyle in the match i saw against Norwich recently were ineffective as well. It was a battle that we were winning earlier in the season and maybe fresh legs might be needed. Bringing in Kilkenny could be a key change. Always relaxed and assured on the ball, knows when to pass it and makes a sensible pass.
If Gradel is fit i’d be tempted to start him. We need to get at Bristol early on, get a couple of goals and if he isn’t that fit, then bring him off and keep the lead we have. For this game i feel we can’t be negative, we have to start bright and put them under pressure, they’ve been on a worse run than us. Especially at home.
So if we can shrug off Saturday’s disappointment and get at Rovers from the off, we can give them that extra kick in the groin and hopefully they’ll stay down this time. (I promise i’ll think of something better for next time).
Category: NewsBad memories revisited
By: Tim | 5 Comments
It’s the one match where everyone sees it and think more about off the pitch action than on. Leeds vs Millwall. At the new den.
Leeds haven’t done particularly well at Millwall, the latest defeat, of a long line, was in the first leg of the play off semi finals last season.
A Neil Harris goal sparked scenes of pandemonium behind Casper Ankergren’s goal, with some spilling onto the pitch and taunting the Danish goalkeeper. Accusations of objects being thrown at him were also made. Safe to say, Leeds are never made to feel welcome, and Millwall never like to be scared of their opponents. On the pitch or in the stands.
But even they must think about who they are facing tomorrow. Leeds are top of the table and unbeaten ( i know i keep saying it, but how often as a Leeds fan do i get to say that!) and after the amazing last minute winner against Norwich at Elland Road on Monday, it must give all at the club a boost.
But Leeds would to be foolish to think it’s a walkover. Millwall have always given a good account of themselves especially at the Den. Write them off at your peril. They haven’t lost and have only conceeded two goals.
Mr Millwall Neil Harris is on good form this season and is a dangerman. 9 goals to his name, a hat trick in the last match against Stockport as part of a 4-0 away win, he has probably been their most consistant performer.
As for Leeds though, 5 wins and one draw away from home means this could be a very tight game.
For Leeds, the defence needs to be on top of Harris, the return of Patrick Kisnorbo will be a huge boost in that sense.
Boss Simon Grayson will have to decide about Norwich MOM Max Gradel. After coming on with ten minutes to go, he ended up winning a beckham-esque man of the match award. Except he probably did deserve it. Is it better to start him and try and get him to change the whole game or use him as a super sub.
Gradel admitted himself that he isn’t fully match fit, so that might make the decision for the manager. But that won’t be a bad thing if it happens.
The same could be said for Sam Vokes, not doubt a quality striker and maybe might start to come into his own from tomorrow with Becchio still injured.
I do honestly fear about this game. I was the same against Noriwch for simple reason of form and confidence. Millwall haven’t been firing on all cylinders since their play off final defeat in May, and without Neil harris, the goals have been few and far between. But my fear stems simply from the venue.
it is an intimidating place and Millwall fans are rightly proud of this. Call them a ‘bogey’ team if you will but its never easy against Millwall. Without trying to sound crass, Leeds will have to be up for the fight.
Brains were needed against Norwich with their technical free flowing midfield. Millwall can play good football, but it’s more of a physical battle. The headband brothers of Maylor and Kisnorbo will be key men in this battle. Leaders from the back. If they can keep Leeds organised and fighting, the victory is there for the taking.
Leeds are back on top but you never wake a sleeping lion, and when you do for god sake don’t tease it and mess around, or it will bite. If Leeds wake the lions and make them angry, they’ve got to deal with them.
And in Neil Harris they have the bravest and scariest up front. Tame him, game won.
Category: NewsWhat a finale!
By: Tim | 3 Comments
Still hoarse and full of adrenalin, I can only describe the final few minutes of the pulsating match at Elland Road as crazy.
A 92nd minute winner from Jermaine Beckford greatfully received after a terrible goal kick from Norwich keeper Fraser Forster went straight to the deadly striker.
With the defence turning their backs on the kick, Beckford reacted first as good forwards do, charged towards the area holding off the last Norwich defender to finish past the unlucky Forster.
Unlucky because up until that point he hadn’t put a foot wrong after making some good saves earlier in the second half.
It gave the whites a 2-1 victory. Grant Holt levelled for Norwich on the half hour after Bradley Johnson opened the scoring with a header from a Snodgrass corner on 14 minutes for Leeds.
The match started as the whole night would continue to be. Which was unfortunately frustrating as the referee booked anything that moved.
Naylor the first on 56 seconds, who then went off for near 8 minutes to reappear as the new Kisnorbo with his own headband for a cut received in the same incident.
Higgs then made two saves while Leeds were down to ten men, one which he clawed away after almost letting it fall over the line from his initial save.
He then went off injured. Casper came on. Just don’t put any crosses in Norwich. Please. I asked nicely.
Norwich started brightly, with a fluid midfield switching from a 4-5-1 to 4-3-3 when attacking. Stroking the ball around with ease and seemingly finding a yellow shirt everytime. It was as much as i hate to say it, a joy to watch. But with this, it didn’t really create many chances.
And after failing to take the two earlier chances, they were made to pay. A snodgrass corner headed in at the far post by a leaping salmon disguised as Bradley Johnson.
But Norwich kept at their attacking passing style and made it tough. Tactically they were spot on. They nullified Snodgrass and Johnson on the wings in open play and in the middle gave Beckford and newly signed Vokes no space to run into.
And their deserved equaliser came ironically from a free kick they didn’t deserve 10 minutes before half time. But it was whipped in to the far post and this time the leaping salmon was beaten down low by Grant Holt for his 10th of the season.
At this point Leeds were just hanging on. Imagine putting a bucket on your head, being spun around 20 times and then being told to swat several very quick moving flies afterwards. It was kind of like that for Leeds. They couldn’t catch Norwich when they got the ball, rings were being run round them.
Grayson to his credit as he has done so many times, changed it around. Snodgrass and Johnson started to exploit Norwich’s lack of pace down the middle by coming inside and creating more opportunities. The full backs also came more into play because of it.
But still the frustration continued. It looked like being one of those nights.
Then two subs came on which changed the game. Tresor Kandol did get a league recall and another new acquisition, young Leicester winger Max Gradel signed on a one month loan. Kandol was asked to make a nuisance of himself and win headers. Check.
Gradel was also asked to be a nuisance and use his pace to exploit as many gaps as possible. Check. But with a bonus, he seemed to rejuvenate the entire team. The crowd were also sensing something from this kid. Two great passes inside 30 seconds had me calling for a permanent contract!
Leeds then also seemed to adapt to a 4-3-3 at times with Kandol and Gradel joining Beckford up front. Snodgrass and Vokes had made way for the subs.
And like Norwich the midfield became more fluid. Gradel, Kandol, and Johnson were making themselves felt by again getting down the middle. Exploiting the lack of pace, and with the full backs getting forward, Leeds were really getting a grip on the game and suddenly Norwich were hanging on.
Beckford then had two chances saved brilliantly by Forster, both one on ones that normally he would put away. Then Gradel picking up a Kandol flick on on the right crossed in low for Beckford, which was just too far in front of him and he couldn’t quite divert it in. That was on 90 minutes. Game Over.
Until….from the resulting goal kick Forster made a complete hash of a simple kick and Beckford did the rest. Cue scenes of utter delirium. Fans spilling onto the pitch, myself screaming with my dad and jumping around like a kangaroo on hot coals and Norwich players and manager sinking to the ground.
Leeds back on top of the league. Still unbeaten. Probably didn’t deserve it overall but if we can still scrape out wins against very good teams like this, then we can win the league. But if any team is going to challenge us, based on this performance, it’ll be Norwich. And good luck to them.
Category: NewsHere come the Canaries
By: Tim | Add Comments
After a much welcome break from league action, Norwich City make their way to Elland Road tomorrow night in what i think will be the toughest match of the season so far for Leeds.
Our growing injury list has somewhat slightly reduced thanks to the 2 week break, but two major players in Becchio and Snodgrass are still doubts ahead of this game. If both are missing it would be a huge blow.
Despite the growing line of players waiting for treatment outside the physio’s room, we are still undefeated which is an encouraging sign, but the last two games have produced draws against Carlisle and Charlton at home. One was more disappointing than the other. I’ll leave that up to you to decide.
One area affected has been the defence. Crowe, Bromby, Higgs, Parker and Marques have all had knocks. Unfortunately Parker looks like being out for some time after hip surgery.
Higgs though has been the biggest a loss, an assured figure in goal that has given fans a bit of confidence when a cross comes in and in all aspects of his game. Unfortunately Casper Ankergren (aka Sir flap-a-lot) hasn’t bred that confidence in the United faithful with his recent displays, but only two goals have been conceeded whilst he has been in between the sticks for the last three games.
And we still haven’t lost. What might be considered more of a worry is that we’ve only scored three goals in those three games, two were against Darlington in the JPT. The loss of Snodgrass has been blamed for this, but Leeds have more than enough talent to compensate overall. And in the early season players like Johnson and Howson were more effective than Snodgrass.
Heading into the Norwich game Leeds will have to be on top of their game at both ends. Ever since the disastrous start of THAT defeat against Colchester, Norwich took the U’s manager and said please do that for us. So far so good. Norwich have steamrollered up the league into 6th, scoring goals left right and any other direction you care to think.
14 goals in the last 6 games to be precise, and only conceeding 4. Thats the sort of form many expected of them pre-season. Away from home, City haven’t lost in their last 3 matches.
One thing this season has been built on for Leeds is their solid defence, and it’s going to get a tough workout tomorrow night. Whether it be Casper in goal or not, United must go into this game confident in their defence, showing the same grit and determination to win, be it at all costs. Because Norwich will be ready to pounce.
The Canaries have a pacy midfield that is very good on the counter attack. The key player leading this is Wes Hoolahan. Chipping in with five goals, he has also helped striker Grant Holt to get his 9 goals so far this campaign. Alot of the creativity comes from him, Leeds will need to keep him quiet.
At the back in recent games Norwich have been solid, with the re-emergance of Gary Doherty partnering Askou. But it seems Norwich fans reckon they are good in the air, but not good with pace against them. Beckford could be the man to exploit this. If Grella starts he could be useful as well. He might be a better player in this match compared to Kandol.
But as i said in a previous post, they are a tall, strong side and Leeds would do best keeping it on the floor for this game. Something Leeds can do and do well when they need to.
Bradley Johnson could be a key player if Snodgrass doesn’t make it. Johnson will come up against Otsemobor at right back. Johnson has been a goal scorer as well as creator for Leeds and if he comes out on top, combined with the pace of Leeds frontline led by Beckford, Norwich will have problems.
Looking at the injury list it’s hard to predict the team, but it has been mooted that Snodgrass and Crowe could make it. With that in mind i’d go with:
Ankergren
Crowe Kisnorbo Naylor Hughes
Snodgrass Doyle Howson Johnson
Beckford Grella
Subs: Higgs, Bromby, Michalik, Prutton, Kilkenny, Robinson, Kandol,
1st versus 6th, Sky cameras in attendance, two very in form teams who like the odd goal or two. It’ll be great for the neutral. I’m going, and i don’t think it’s going to be a relaxing evening! It’ll be very very close.
Category: News
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