Leeds Utd v Rotherham Utd Saturday 10th February@15:00 | Elland Road They say that the Championship is the most difficult league in the World to get out of, but Leeds opponents on Saturday are making it look easy! Rotherham Utd make the 30 mile dash up the M1 to Elland Road, hoping to inflict the kind of damage only a Yorkshire derby can serve up. Despite the 41 point difference (and 21 places), all the pressure will be on Daniel Farke as his side search for their sixth straight league victory of 2024; not to mention keep their unbeaten home record intact! Although Archie Gray's midweek cameo role turned into a 50 minute slog, he is likely to return to right-back duties with new signing Connor Roberts making do with a place on the bench. Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter and Ethan Ampadu are also all expected to start, after being rested in the Cup. please log in to view this image Pascal Struijk is still two or three weeks away from a return to action. The 24yo is responding well to treatment, and has been training on his own this week, as he overcomes the groin strain he picked up on Boxing Day at Preston. Ethan Ampadu has shown he is more than capable at centre-back alongside Joe Rodon meaning Liam Cooper drops to the bench. Patrick Bamford has been preferred to Joel Piroe to spearhead the team. Ilia Gruev will continue to partner Glen Kamara in midfield, with Wilfred Gnonto continuing to deputise for the injured Dan James. With three goals, and two assists in January, the Welsh speedster has been nominated for Sky Bet Championship player of the month but could have a fight on his hands getting back into the side if Wilfred Gnonto's continues to impress in his absence. The Italian International has netted in his last two games, and starting to regain his form.
We just need to get this one out of the way as Rotherham are 14/1 but yet we couldn't beat them at their place earlier in the season. Three points please and move on.
You'd think this would be a routine win but the extra time in the extra game this week could have an effect. I'm still expecting a comfortable win by a couple of goals.
Shackleton only trained once but might come back into the squad. Connor Roberts has only had 2 sessions with the full squad due to our recent games, however looking fit and ready. Dan James improving but still not ready. Struijk still out, Darlow 2 weeks away from team training.
Team today virtually picks itself with Gnonto still deputising on the right wing for Dan James. Hopefully we can get off to a fast start and put the game to bed before halftime similar to what we did against Huddersfield.
Feel like Gnoto has had a couple good goals but I think James all round play is much better than Gnoto but I guess you can’t change a winning team.
It’d be great if we could blow them away, say 3 or 4-0. However think they’ll set up not to lose. Think this might be tight, hope I’m wrong. Not sure about the extra time impact on the team. Unlike last year, when we were miles off it fitness wise, we seem much better prepared these days. Also, I think of the outfield players only Firpo, Cooper, Rodon, Gruev, Piroe and Rutter played more than a normal game. Of those only Rodon and Rutter have played most matches. Yes ground conditions were atrocious, so will have taken something extra out of everyone, but hopefully we have it covered. MOT
Afternoon All. I think this one we'll either spank them 3.0+ or its going to be a very close affair where the opposition park the bus all the game.. Im hoping for the former of course. The latter makes it boring to watch...
