Leeds v Middlesboro - preview
By Andy Baggott
December 30 2010
Leeds face Middlesboro on New Years day desperate for 3 points. The last 2 games has seen The Whites throw away 2 goal leads, and with that, 4 points. Although the unbeaten run has been stretched to 10 games, a win is vital for Simon grayson's men on Saturday.
There is likely to be a recall for striker Lucciano Becchio. The Argentinian sat out the last game when Billy Paynter made his first start, but should come back in to the starting 11. The other player rested was midfielder Neil Kilkenny. The Aussie is due to miss much of January as he is away with the National team, and his replacement, Ross McCormack did well. Kilkenny, however, does add something to the team with his passing ability, so it's a tough call for Grayson. Howson and Johnson, the others in centre midfield, both scored - the latter having an upturn in form in recent games.
Out wide, Gradel is in fine scoring form, whilst Snodgrass is back to the impressive levels of last year.
The defence is still a concern - 5 conceded in 2 games, so I expect Alex Bruce to come back - probably at the expense of Neill Collins.
Boro have struggled this year, but the team is undoubtably talenty - tipped by many as promotion favourites at the start of the season, they started poorly - which saw the exit of manager Gordon Strachan. They are slowly turning things round under Tony Mowbray, and although still down the table, don't expect them to be too far away from the play offs at least come May.
It's a big game, as they always are at Elland Road, and a big crowd will be hoping that Leeds start the New Year in style. It's a 1 o clock kick off, and I'm expecting Leeds to win by the odd goal in 3...
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Boro will line up 4-5-1 with Snoddy and Super Max doubled teamed by their FBs and wide players. Home grown Hero Howson is likely to be marked Man to Man.
Important our full backs offer support down the flanks when we attack as Boro will sit deep and look to hit balls into space for Lita to chase. We need to create more options when we have the ball and have more width to our play.
Bradley will have to be disciplined and sit in front of our CB's who will need to concentrate throughout the game. Boro will be set up as a counter attacking team.
Kasper will need to sweep up long balls over the top otherwise this tactic will cause us untold problems. Arca is more than capable of passing over the top and finding Lita on a run.
Will be a tighter game than most may imagine as Boro will work hard to minimise space.
IMO Wheater would totally dominate Becchio so I think Payntor will offer us more. He just has the experinece and little devil inside him that makes this game ideal for Billy to break his duck.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:12:30:13:19:29 by Big BB.
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Kasper
Connolly Bruce O'Brien Bessone
Killa Johnson
Snoddy Howson Gradel
Payntor
Subs: Higgs Hughes Collins Sam McCormack Becchio Somma