please log in to view this image West Bromwich Albion v Leeds Utd 29th December@20:15 | The Hawthorns Leeds head down to the Hawthorns on Friday evening knowing that only a win will be good enough to keep their hopes of automatic promotion alive. Ipswich are still sitting pretty in second place in the Championship, eight points clear of the Whites, who dropped to fourth behind Southampton, after their gut wrenching defeat at Deepdale. With two wins and three losses from their last six games, Leeds need to find some away form, and fast, if they are to mount a credible challenge for a top two finish. please log in to view this image They drew with the Baggies in the reverse fixture back in August, courtesy of a Luke Ayling's 72nd minute equaliser, but generally speaking have have been poor this season against West Midland opposition. They lost to lowly Birmingham and Stoke, and only managed a draw against Coventry a fortnight ago. Leeds will be without Illan Meslier who starts a three match suspension after whacking Milutin Osmajić, ironically on Boxing day. Karl Darlow is likely to deputise. Jamie Shackleton (glute), Stuart Dallas (leg), Sam Byram hamstring) and Luke Ayling (leg) remain sidelined. West Brom have no fresh injury concerns.
Difficult match on paper but if we can win at Leicester & Ipswich then there's no reason why we can't pick up the 3 points down at the Hawthorns. Gut feeling though is that we'll have to settle for a point.
28 points from 22 Games to be fairly sure of playoffs. Should be able to manage that easily. Anything better will be a bonus
The manager and players owe us a performance. They've been pathetic for a few weeks now. They need a kick up the arse if they can only get up for Leicester and Ipswich.
Harrison is an excellent PL player because not only does he bring goals and assists but his tactical awareness is also outstanding. If Everton don't stump up the readies to sign him permanently then someone else will.
Well this match at the Hawthorns is the big acid test for Farke. Corberan will have done his homework Bielsa style so we need to be aware. It’s time for Farke to make the changes, Spence at RB, Firpo LB, move Gray into MF, Piroe upfront, drop Rutter and Summerville to the bench, give Gnonto his big chance AND tell the two wingers they must track back at all times to assist the full backs. Farke has many options on the bench so now let’s see what man manager he really is!!!
When Meslier's critics see how Darlow is with the ball at his feet they might start to appreciate the big frenchman a little bit more. Not to mention how his extra reach has saved us multiple times already this season. Bottom line is we'll miss Meslier in goal.
Meslier was breath of fresh air after Kiko and we stayed in the PL with him in goal for 2 seasons, so not too shabby. Yes he had problems last season, but there were mitigating circumstances and he's been reasonably solid this season. Let's see how Darlow does as it could easily go the wrong way as sometimes happens with keepers.
