Good Morning. It's Thursday 20th April, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Gracia's 58 day reign could be coming to an end Javi Gracia's days could be numbered should Leeds fail to get anything from their next two games (away at Fulham, and home to Leicester City). Leading bookmakers, including William Hill and Bet Victor have slashed their odds on the 52yo Spaniard becoming the next Premier League casualty to 3/1, shorter even than Ruben Selles of Southampton. Steve Cooper (Nottingham Forest) remains favourite for the chop at 11/8. Large sections of the Elland Road faithful voiced their displeasure after the final whistle on Monday night, which would not have gone unnoticed by Messrs Radrizzani and Orta. Gracia's saving grace is that Leeds remain two points clear of the drop zone, yet their superior goal difference over Everton, directly below them has all but disappeared. please log in to view this image Do Leeds miss Cooper's leadership At a time when confidence is as high as a Gary Glitter defence counsel, it's important to have leaders; somebody with a backbone, who can increase moral and install determination and belief back into the players, as they fight for their Premier league lives. For all his limitations, Liam Cooper has done a sterling job in guiding the Whites into battle over the past nine seasons. His leadership skills, organisation and love for the club have made the 31yo more or less an automatic choice since signing from Chesterfield in 2014, yet since returning from injury (at Wolves mid March), the Leeds skipper has spent the last five games benched. Confidence plays such an important part in proceedings, and without the proper direction, things could easily go from bad to worse! Should Bamford return to the fold on Saturday? What if Wober is fit to play, who should partner Koch? please log in to view this image Happy Birthday Georginio Many Happy Returns Georginio Rutter. The Leeds Utd forward has turned 21 today, but what should Leeds Utd buy him? Spoiler alert - Not a Firmino shirt..he's already got one. please log in to view this image
West Ham are doing it the sensible way by getting rid of Moyes in the summer whatever happens in the league and even if he wins the European Conference. They will be well on the way to knowing who is taking over. Way too late for a new bloke to do anything if we sack Javi and can Scoobs lift this shambles? Gracia needs to have had a team meeting behind closed doors and started off by saying that he is expecting the sack the fans are turning on the board, the head coach and the players. Fans walking out and boos ringing around ER. If you want to end this season with any self respect and your heads held high you need to prove you are up to the task or go play with the kids….
Sack Javi-wrong move Sack Orta-correct move But as usual too late to do anything Radrizani must have a death wish
Says it all really when we're even considering Cooper as a solution to the shambles. We have to hope two or three teams turn in horror show displays against us in the run in. If Ortas still around next season Im applying for a years leave of absence from supporting the club
We's shipped 60 goals this season, more than any other top flight outfit, BUT we've scored 40. Only Leicester City (41) have scored more in the bottom half of the table, and that includes Chelsea.
Got to keep the faith with Javi now as it’s too late besides not sure anyone could sort this shambles of a side out. Wouldn’t be bothered about keeping any of them bar Adams and Wober come the summer. Yes we miss Coopers leadership. Struijk isn’t good enough. Was convinced he’d start against Liverpool, might not be the best defender in the world but at least he can get them organised.
Get Wober, Cooper, Ayling, Forshaw in as lads who will fight. If Sinisterra is injured then put Gnonto and Summerville out wide for pace and bang Rodrigo up front. Stick McKennie in instead of Aaronson at 10. More physicality, more leadership, better mental attitude.
god I am thick, I thought you were predicting the score lines and thought that was a bit harsh, then realised they were the kick off times
Can see Forshaw getting the call this weekend sitting just behind McKennie and we could also see Roca alongside Forshaw. Summerville RW, Rodrigo and Sinisterra LW Gnonto isn’t fully fit but will replace either winger when needed? Ayling, Koch, Wober and Firpo at the back
Were Leeds better off under Marsch? (the table, the day before he was sacked) please log in to view this image Compared with now, 13 games later...
100% agree. Although I would have left Bielsa in charge till the end and Jesse. I just hate changing manager in such a short time. Regardless if we were eventually relegated under those ex managers. I think if we do sack Gracia its just pointless.
Yep looking forward to it. A mates funeral at 10.00 and back home ready for the match on BT and lots and lots of my favourite ale..........
Ayling has to start over Rasmus. Cooper or Wober have to start alongside Koch, I’d even be tempted by having Cooper CB and Wober LB as I’m still not convinced by Firpo, woeful against Liverpool and we need leadership. I agree that Forshaw might be a good shout in the middle but we’re really missing a disrupter type. Heard a few podcasts saying about Wober in CDM so Roca can play alongside him and having McKennie higher up the pitch. Feel sorry for McKennie as he’s not a CDM, feel like it’d be great to see him at 10 instead of Aaronson as someone else has mentioned that’s more of his actual position, 10 or box to box but we play a pivot of two holding midfielders. I think if Adams would fit we’d have seen McKennie higher up the pitch with Adams and Roca in the pivot.
You're over thinking it with all these different formations. Makes no difference as they're all hopeless
