Marching on Together: Colchester United match preview

By: j | December 11th, 2008

With one victory in the last four matches, to deny Leeds isn’t teetering on a crisis would be a ridiculous oversight. With each day the club releases another statement of players “needing to bond together” or “fight the tough fight”, yet far too many points have been dropped. Contrary to the rallying cry comments, while there has been defensive flaws the weakness of the club has been tactical flaws that primarily revolves around an attack that I can best describe as slowing itself for the final bash into box. It is a curious problem because the lack of transitional pace, poor work-rate and speed of decision-making has been the root of the problem for what is likely the most talented club in League One.

After nineteen matches, Leeds sit at a deplorable seventh position, a full nine points behind Leicester City. The seven losses, of which five away from Elland Road are unacceptable and while few are willing to discuss it, Ken Bates is going to have to think long and hard soon if Gary McAllister is the right man to lead the club out of promotion. I personally have a great deal of faith in the manager and I think with modest tinkering the clubs fortunes would turn dramatically.

Against Colchester United, Leeds face a club with possibly even greater problems. After being relegated from the Championship, they have shown little resolve towards promotion and perilously sit only two points above League One relegation. However manager Paul Lambert has a very capable squad I expect The U’s to go on a winning run soon.

Leeds will be without the services of Jermaine Beckford, Paul Huntington and Andy Robinson but could have Malcolm Christie available. Thankfully Fabian Delph returns from suspension and he will need to push Robert Snodgrass, Enoch Showunmi and Luciano Becchio forward to ensure Leeds comes out with a victory.

I will report on the match after it concludes but until then, we Marching on Together.