Often Partisan

Form Teams: The Leeds United Preview

Tonight it’s the turn of Leeds United to come to St Andrews to face the mighty Blue machine, and with that in mind here is my preview of the game.

Leeds United

Leeds are a form side in the division at the moment, lying fifth with 21 points from their twelve games. In their last six league games they’ve accrued fourteen points, scoring thirteen goals and conceding seven. Furthermore, the lilywhites have scored three times in each of their previous three away games; clearly, this is a side who knows where the back of the net is.

On the injury front Simon Grayson is awaiting to see if Robert Snodgrass can return from injury, with Mika Vayrynen poised to deputise if the Scottish international doesn’t make it. First choice keeper Andy Lonergan is out with a broken finger, so ex-Manchester United and Blackpool keeper Paul Rachubka will continue between the sticks.

Birmingham City

Blues come into the game off a run of five successive wins in all competitions, and having conceded only one goal in four home league games this season. However, it’s another step in a gruelling schedule for Blues, being a third game in six days and Hughton may once again have to shuffle his pack to ensure tiredness doesn’t set in.

Spanish centre back Pablo Ibanez definitely misses out after suffering concussion in the away match against Club Brugge, along with Wade Elliott who picked up a bang to his calf in the same game. Curtis Davies is a possible doubt having picked up a knock against Bristol City but should play.

I think that is going to be a very tough game for Blues, and with the visit of Brighton and Hove Albion at the weekend I think Chris Hughton has to once again make some tough decisions regarding squad rotation. I’d like to see Guirane N’Daw make his league bow against Leeds after a good performance out in Belgium, maybe in place of Keith Fahey who has played the last three games on the spin. I’d also like to see David Murphy brought in at left back to replace Liam Ridgewell, who I think has been a bit suspect recently, and maybe Redmond come in for Burke who was apparently blowing out of his arse at the end of the Bristol City game.

I can’t see us making it a sixth win on the spin however much I’d like them too; however, I don’t believe we’ll lose either – Blues have too much about them even with this heavy schedule of games. I’m going for a 1-1 draw, and a hope that the massive visiting contingent from Yorkshire doesn’t translate to trouble in town.

 

Match previews sponsored by EZE Group - Lifestyle Experts

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

2 Responses to “Form Teams: The Leeds United Preview”

  • bluesbot says:

    Its a bit of a conundrum for Hughton tonight as to which side he puts out, we are at home but up against a strong in form team and with another game in just a couple of days times – the only bonus is not having to do any travelling this week.

    Losing Wade Elliot is a big blow as he could have deputised for either Fahey or Burkey without much changing in the dynamics of the team. As for N’daw and Gomis pairing up in central midfield that could be interesting, it could either be a masterstroke or calamatous – I am not sure lol.

    As for Ridgewell – didnt he make team of the week for his performance against Brizzle ?, however murphy must be sick to be not playing considering his performances when called upon – I’d be happy with either one playing.

    I’d be really happy if we can maintain our form and beat leeds buts its going a close call

  • GMN says:

    with ibanez out and davies looking likely to be out ridgewell will be moved to cb with caldwell and murphy at lb. im not a fan of faheys he doesnt really provide anything on the pitch. would like to see a gomis ndaw partnership for now and when mutch comes back he will be the more attackive option.
    myhill
    carr caldwell ridgewell murphy
    burke gomis ndaw beausejour
    king wood


Leave a Reply

Personalised Gifts for a Bluenose
Haircuts and League Cups
Open Tax Services
Corporate Solutions UK
PJ Planning
Rodal Heating

Archives