There's two ways to look at the fact Leeds have to host a visit from league leader, Leicester City on the back of the 6-0 drubbing away to Sheffield Wednesday. On one hand, it gives Leeds the chance to right a massive wrong, but on the other, it is hardly a fixture you want to see when a team is out of form and low on confidence.
Boss, Brian McDermott promised to take the team 'back to basics' after the poor showing last Saturday in front of the Sky cameras, and he'll have chance to show what he has managed to achieve as Sky return once more for another 12:15pm kick off.
One change guaranteed is the installation of Ross McCormack as club captain. McCormack has been a consistent bright spark this season and McDermott has moved the responsibility of leading the team away from Rudolph Austin to the forward in the hope of reinvigorating the side.
As for the team that will turn out to face the East Midlands side - perhaps best left to guesswork. With so many players turning in a miserable performance last weekend, few could argue for their place in the starting line up. McDermott played a 3-4-3 formation to introduce the recent signings for Kebe and Stewart straight to the field of play for the Sheffield game, but it was widely seen as a major contributing factor to the poor performance. Whether the manager will stick to his guns now the squad have had more time to become accustomed to the style of play and new players, remains to be seen, although we think it doubtful given the opposition.
One player missing will be Matt Smith. Smith played less than a minute last Saturday when he was introduced at half-time and was immediately sent off with a straight red card for a clumsy challenge. He will serve the first of his three match ban from the sidelines for the Leicester game.
Expect changes at the back too, both in formation and players. No-one walked away with any pride last week but Zaliukas made several unforgivable errors and turned in his worst display so far for Leeds.
Leicester meanwhile arrive in great form. Although they had a wobble in December, they have won 5 of their last 6 games, losing only to Stoke in the FA cup.
The fixture, whilst daunting based on form, is a chance for Leeds United to put the nightmare that has been Christmas behind them and get back to winning ways. The team is capable of performing well and went into the festive break in a play-off position, but the wheels have come off since. A result on Saturday would be a massive boost to help the team get back on track.
Tickets are still available for the game priced at £26 for adults and £13 juniors for any seat in any stand. Contact the Leeds United Ticket Office for more information.
Our prediction: 2-0 Leicester. Key Man: Ross McCormack (Leeds) and Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester)
Got an opinion? Disagree with our thoughts? Discuss the match? Join us on the Unofficial Leeds United Message Board - it's quick, free and a easy to join in!
Boss, Brian McDermott promised to take the team 'back to basics' after the poor showing last Saturday in front of the Sky cameras, and he'll have chance to show what he has managed to achieve as Sky return once more for another 12:15pm kick off.
One change guaranteed is the installation of Ross McCormack as club captain. McCormack has been a consistent bright spark this season and McDermott has moved the responsibility of leading the team away from Rudolph Austin to the forward in the hope of reinvigorating the side.
As for the team that will turn out to face the East Midlands side - perhaps best left to guesswork. With so many players turning in a miserable performance last weekend, few could argue for their place in the starting line up. McDermott played a 3-4-3 formation to introduce the recent signings for Kebe and Stewart straight to the field of play for the Sheffield game, but it was widely seen as a major contributing factor to the poor performance. Whether the manager will stick to his guns now the squad have had more time to become accustomed to the style of play and new players, remains to be seen, although we think it doubtful given the opposition.
One player missing will be Matt Smith. Smith played less than a minute last Saturday when he was introduced at half-time and was immediately sent off with a straight red card for a clumsy challenge. He will serve the first of his three match ban from the sidelines for the Leicester game.
Expect changes at the back too, both in formation and players. No-one walked away with any pride last week but Zaliukas made several unforgivable errors and turned in his worst display so far for Leeds.
Leicester meanwhile arrive in great form. Although they had a wobble in December, they have won 5 of their last 6 games, losing only to Stoke in the FA cup.
The fixture, whilst daunting based on form, is a chance for Leeds United to put the nightmare that has been Christmas behind them and get back to winning ways. The team is capable of performing well and went into the festive break in a play-off position, but the wheels have come off since. A result on Saturday would be a massive boost to help the team get back on track.
Tickets are still available for the game priced at £26 for adults and £13 juniors for any seat in any stand. Contact the Leeds United Ticket Office for more information.
Our prediction: 2-0 Leicester. Key Man: Ross McCormack (Leeds) and Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester)
Got an opinion? Disagree with our thoughts? Discuss the match? Join us on the Unofficial Leeds United Message Board - it's quick, free and a easy to join in!
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