please log in to view this image Leeds Utd v Plymouth Argyle Saturday 11th November@15:00 | Elland Road Plymouth Argyle make the 350 mile pilgrimage to Elland Road on Saturday, hoping to take advantage of a below strength Leeds side, without the services of up to eight first team players. The International break can't come quick enough for the Whites, who have had to deal with a multitude of issues both on and off the pitch. Whilst they may have strength in depth, the visitors are stronger than their league position suggests, especially going forward. The Pilgrims have netted nine times in their last three games, but haven't been able to protect their leads in recent games against Boro (3-3) and Ipswich Town (3-2 loss). There are twelve points, and sixteen places separating the teams, who last met sixteen years ago, when Robbie Blake, Eddie Lewis, David Healy and Lubomir Michalic helped secure 2-1 victories, both home and away (2006/07 season). please log in to view this image Pascal Struijk will be out of action for the foreseeable future with a double hernia. The Leeds skipper has been playing through the pain barrier in recent weeks, but is about to go under the surgeon's knife. Daniel Farke has the option to recall Liam Cooper back to the fold, or switch Ampadu to defensive duties, and move Archie Gray back to midfield. Joe Gelhardt doesn't need surgery on his hand, but will miss the visit of Plymouth as he hasn't been able to train properly. Jamie Shackleton has picked up a minor groin strain that should keep him sidelined at least until Leeds visit Rotherham on the 24th. Djed Spence's road to recovery has been complicated by tonsillitis. According to the gaffer, it may be another three or four weeks until the Spurs wing-back is back in his rhythm. Patrick Bamford missed training earlier in the week due to illness, but may make the bench, whilst Stuart Dallas continuous to strengthen his leg muscles, and regain his fitness, but is currently training alone. Junior Firpo isn't match fit either. According to the gaffer, he's making good progress, and is close to being involved in games. Charlie Cresswell has missed training earlier in the week due to private reasons.
I hope nobody mentions that Plymouth haven't won away from home yet this season. Played 7, lost 4, drawn 3.
Farke is 100% correct that these 3 points are just as important as the ones gained against Leicester. Too often though we've dropped valuable points against teams we should be beating comfortably so let's hope his focusing of minds pays dividends on Saturday
Plymouth are unbeaten away from home when failing to score, however have lost 4 of the other 5 when scoring. Give them a goal??
Why are we mentioning Bamford Shackleton Dallas and Gelhardt as injuries. None of them hardly ever kick a ball for us and none of those missing will weaken the team
Looking on the bright side Eire, I like it put it this way - it’s better to have Bamford, Shackleton, Dallas, Gelhardt and Struijk all out than Rutter, Piroe, Summerville, Ampadu and Rodon all unavailable now that would be a nightmare.
Bamford had a light training session today and will be assessed further tomorrow with a view to being available on Saturday. Seems Farke hasn't ruled him out yet then.
I'm not that concerned that Struijk is out but I am concerned that Cooper is in. Plymouth will score, its just a case of how many we get. Leeds 3-1 Plymouth
Think what you really meant to say was how impressed you've been by Struijk who's been carrying an injury but still playing well. Yes ?
Not speaking for him but it sounds to like he is more concerned about Cooper playing than whether Struijk has been playing well or not.
What Emu said was that Struijk wouldn't be missed (cos he thinks he's crap) but as it's going to be Cooper coming in we might be in a spot of bother
I'm not suggesting the Greens will upset your weekend but you may find them to be a bit more entertaining than you think when they turn up on Saturday. We are not a side that sits back and hopes to nick a 1 - 0 no matter who we are playing and have been more naive and unlucky in some of the defeats than poor. I am knocking on a bit now but the memory still works. I remember watching a match at Home Park against your good selves following a run of 10 games for us not winning. We won 6 - 3 that day. The down side was it was 1987. I have always had a bit of a soft spot for Leeds from a long time ago. Never supported of course as I only have one side I can claim that for as it's my home city. I sort of fell in love with the football at the time which was back in the 1970s. Bremner, Lorimer, Madeley, Charlton, Rennie, Yorath, Giles, Gray, Clarke, Jones. The football they played at the time was years ahead of the others for sheer skill and entertainment. They could also put their foot in when needed and I still remember the 1971 Cup final against Chelsea. X Rated stuff which would have seen a 5 aside if played today. Anyway I can't see you lot sticking around in this league for too long so best of luck with your season except this Saturday and the return fixture.
You're a high scoring side (one more than us so far) and based upon GD should really be in the Top 10. Expecting an entertaining game on Saturday and it's by no means a foregone conclusion that we'll emerge as the victors, so good luck and may the best team win
I honestly think it has to be Cooper to replace Struijk when he’s out and when Rodon is out it should be Cresswell for balance in the LCB/RCB partnership, it always seems disjointed when you have two of the same playing together.
