Good Morning. It's Wednesday 21st October, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road. Shoulder injury to keep Phillips on sidelines until Christmas Leeds United have been dealt a massive blow with the news that Kalvin Phillips will be sidelined until Christmas after injuring his shoulder in Monday's defeat to Wolves. The ever present midfield suffered the injury after being fouled late on in Leeds' 1-0 reverse, and could now be out until December. Fortunately, the England star will not require surgery. With only 48 hours until Leeds face high flying Villa, who will replace Phillips as defensive midfielder? Klich has played there before for the Whites. That could open up an opportunity for Jamie Shackleton to get some game. Similarly Hernandez is now back to full fitness and would love to be in the starting XI. please log in to view this image Koch rises to the challenge After a clumsy start, having given away two penalties in his first couple of games, Leeds defender Robin Koch has gone from strength to strength. The 24yo German International has been an integral part of Bielsa’s back line, after yet another solid display against Wolves on Monday evening. He completed 94% of his passes, six interceptions, 17 ball recoveries, and won 75% of his aerial duels. His average so far this term for passing accuracy is 90%, higher than Ben White last season in the Championship. Koch can mix up his passing too. He's completed 80% of his sweeping diagonals into wide areas giving wingers the chance to launch attacks. How good can Koch be? In years to come, will we be comparing him to the Chief? please log in to view this image
Morning all, Hope that doesn't mean Dallas is moved into midfield but Bielsa knows best. Maybe he'll be at RB, Ayling CB, Alioski LB and Struijk DM (if fit)
Morning All, I hated losing to Wolves but they actually play good football. I would however really hate to lose to those twats from Villa, just saying.
Morning all Koch is doing everything his stats and people who knew him knew he would do. We were told he is a more experienced version of White who also scores goals. A full International for a World leading football nation. Pleased that the lad is living up to his reputation. But also at the price of Ben White. Phillips, Llorente, Cooper and maybe Struijk all being out at the same time is a mini crisis. May as well add Forshaw to that list too because hes never available. Defence in this league is a key area and even though Bielsa surprised us by bringing in 2 International CBs where one can also play DM, we have him injured too at the same time. Davies, Cresswell, Casey..... but have a feeling Shacks will go to RB with Ayling moving to CB with Koch who may move to the left side Cb role. Then it’ll be a toss up for DM but could be Davies?
These are those types of games when I would have liked Berra to have been available to "stamp his authority" on Grealish.
Good morning. Let's not forget we're still waiting to hear about Struijk who was limping after the slip leading up to the goal until he was taken off. Reports suggest it's not too bad but there's only a short turn around to Villa. Hands up who said we didn't need another CB. Okay, fair enough the one we got is crocked anyway. Best case scenario we only have to replace Phillips. Worst case scenario we still have the flexibility to cover all positions but it's not ideal against a Villa team who have started bright.
I agree, pretty much what I see Bielsa doing but I can’t say I’m happy with it. Ayling starts so many attacks from that RB position. Only difference I think it might be Leif at LB Morning all...
Now looking like Pascal Struijk is going to be ok which then only means where does he play, could Shacks do the DM job so we can leave Struijk at CB with Koch?
Good Morning to Matt and co from a wet Bardsey Can.t help feeling that this PL could be wide open this season.Who would have thought Villa and Everton would top the league
Morning all. So, we'll all be ****ting ourselves until Friday evening (and probably for the entirety of the game too). Fingers crossed they won't all be unavailable and give MB some decent options. I don't recall the incident where Phillips got injured but I've read that he was fouled late on by Jimenez. Is this right, and was it before or after he should have been sent off for kicking Koch in the bollocks ?
Have just coughed up the £14.99 to BT Box Office... Don't like doing it but there's no way I'm missing the match. Anyone else in or is it going to be ELLTV ?
He'd be much better received with a decent hair cut and some proper football socks.... Ooh I sound like my mum now all those years ago
I'm off to the pub for the game Friday. Rather spend money in the local than fork out £14.99, hopefully not too many people buy it as I don't want Sky/BT that it is a viable option for the future. Obviously understandable not wanting to miss the game though.