 Leeds United have not only been hit with a busy schedule over the next month, but an injury crisis to boot.
Key players like Kemar Roofe, Pablo Hernandez, Gaetano Berardi and Patrick Bamford have all been confirmed for prolonged periods out. Although Leeds do have excellent cover for the likes of Berardi and Hernandez in Pontus Jansson and Jack Harrison, the fact the clubs squad is so thin means any injuries to these players could leave the club in the lurch; especially with the brand of football new Head Coach Bielsa is promoting. With Hernandez and Roofe; the club have lost August’s PFA Player of the Month and Player of the Month having contributed seven goals and four assists between them in the first month of the season. Roofe however, who has been in scintillating form for the Whites this season will be a huge loss as Leeds face Millwall, Preston, Birmingham and Sheffield Wednesday prior to his expected return with no real backups. Tyler Roberts is set to take the reigns for Leeds in their next competitive fixtures with one eye on youngsters Ryan Edmondson and Jack Clarke to potentially fill the void on the bench. The loss of Roofe is only multiplied with the news Patrick Bamford is expected to miss the next four months with a torn MCL during an appearance for the development squad in the international break. Any injury to the primary forward will be an incentive for the second forward to stake a claim for a starting spot chance, something which has been hard to come by for the £7million signing. With several key players out for a prolonged amount of time; we will finally see how much the fringe players have bought into the new ‘Bielsa Ball’ and how ready they are for any adversity thrown at them. By Ryan Ingham
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 So, there we have it, the first 13 per cent of the 2018/2019 Championship season is done and dusted and Leeds sit proudly on top of the pile with 14 points from 18, still unbeaten having played five decent sides and Rotherham! It all looks very positive as we contemplate the first 11 weeks of the reign of Bielsa the Brave. But cast a thought back to this time last year, well, to the evening of September 9th last year to be precise as this season the games are slightly behind last year’s schedule. On September 9th last year a Leeds United XI featuring Luke Ayling, Liam Cooper, Pontus Jansson, Pablo Hernandez, Samu Sáiz, Kalvin Phillips and Kemar Roofe and with Mateusz Klich and Stuart Dallas coming on from the bench, thrashed Burton Albion 5-0 in a devastating display of fast attacking football not seen for many a moon at Elland Road. Thomas Christiansen was hailed the new Messiah.  Leeds dismantled a faltering Burton Albion at home in what turned out to be one of the seasons best wins  Monday 27/8 Heidi Haigh on a very early start, remembering two sadly passed fans and a thumping good away victory at Norwich City http://www.followmeandleedsunited.co.uk/norwich-v-leeds-united-25th-august-2018-at-carrow-road Thank you Heidi  Impressive weekend for Leeds. Luke Ayling, Barry Douglas and Pablo Hernandez named in the WhoScored.com Championship team of the week. Well done lads. Pablo Hernandez was also included in the sky bet EFL Team of the Week.
With Leeds unbeaten and top of the Championship the Phil Hay looks at darker days under the tenure of David Hockaday, who’s seventy day stay ended this week with a League Cup defeat at Bradford City. https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-bygones-the-hock-days-were-numbered-from-outset-1-9320873 Thanks to the YEP and Phil Hay. After some superb performances in the Leeds midfield Mateusz Klich has been recalled to the Poland international squad for the forthcoming games with Italy and Ireland.  Image credit: @LufcData Leeds United have beaten out a host of top European sides to announce the acquisition of a 16-year old superstar in the making.
Niklas Haugland looks to save announced his signature to the Whites having fielded interest from several of Europeans giants over the summer. The Norwegian youngster looks set to become one of Leeds United’s scholars in a move that sees the club step ahead into the transfer market in order to secure the clubs future, a familiar move during new Owner Andrea Radrizzani’s tenure. Haugland joins from Norwegian third tier minnows Fana IL on a free transfer and is under contract until 2020 when he will be able to sign professional terms at the club. The 16-year old has experienced a surprising yet fruitful summer, having had trials at both Bayern and RB Salzburg; who failed to tie the player down to a long term deal along with AC Milan. Leeds will now hope the forward can challenge for a starting spot in the Development Squad by challenging last seasons acquisitions in Sam Dalby, Kun Temenuzhkov and Ryan Edmondson. Should Leeds continue to sign these talented youngsters from abroad or focus on more home grown talent? Have your say in the comments below. By Ryan Ingham  Leeds and Middlesborough served up a Friday night treat for over thirty five thousand fans at Elland Road, despite the score it was an enthralling encounter. Leeds still top the Championship going into the first international break. Marcelo Bielsa made two changes to the team that so comprehensively beat Norwich City last weekend. In came captain Liam Cooper in place of Pontus Jansson and Jack Harrison replaced the absent Pablo Hernandez. Middlesborough lined up with two ex Leeds midfielders in their 5-3-2 line up. The opening minutes were frenetic, both teams probing each other’s defence. Samu Siaz hit one from distance that flew into the South Stand, then Gaetano Berardi had Randolf scampering across his line but the defender’s shot went agonisingly wide of the post. Middlesborough’s Jonny Howson came close to opening the score when his strong run took him past despairing Leeds defenders but his shot was brilliantly tipped away by Peacock-Farrell, Assombalonga also had a chance from a corner but he headed wastefully over. Roared on by the home crowd Leeds so nearly went in front from a Douglas corner, the ball found Liam Cooper and his powerful header beat Randolf but not Adam Clayton stood on the goal line. Just before the break a ball in to the box dropped between Roofe and Ayala, Roofe protested he was fouled but the referee waved away his penalty claims. An interesting and exciting first forty five plus one minutes, Leeds just edging possession. Half Time 0-0.  Ayala and Roofe tangle. The second half was just as open but both teams were guilty of giving the ball away when in decent positions. Jack Harrison curled an effort round the post as Leeds tried desperately to force home a winner. Leeds replaced the injured warrior Gaetano Berardi with just over ten minutes to play, it looked as Patrick Bamford would also come on at the same time but Bielsa delayed the substitution for a number of minutes before the ex Middlesborough striker got an opportunity in the last few minutes as a substitute for the hard working Kemar Roofe who had a really good game. Leeds held off a succession of corners in the dying minutes of normal time and the five minutes of injury time. A draw a fair result. Like I said in the opening it was a good game with the best attack in the Championship thwarted by the best defence. Notable performances by Peacock-Farrell, Harrison and my MOTM Gaetano Berardi. If you’d have said at the beginning of the season we would beat Stoke, Derby and Norwich away and draw with relegated Swansea and last season’s playoff semi finalists Middlesborough I would have gratefully accepted that from the first six games. Millwall next!! Met a few heroes whilst in the press-box too  ‘Larry’, Josh and ‘Izzy’
MOT By Keith Ingham  Leeds United yesterday saw the arrival of another Premier League youngster in Izzy Brown.
Brown joins the Whites on a season long from Chelsea and follows in the footsteps of fellow Leeds loanees Jamal Blackman and Lewis Baker; who he has played alongside during his time with the London club. The 21-year old joins with the knowledge that he may spend a prolonged period of time of the sidelines, having just recovered from an ACL injury sustained in January. The winger is expected to be ready for first team action around the start of October, proving Leeds’ faith in the players ability to make a difference during this season. On the outgoing side, Caleb Ekuban has made a surprise loan move to Turkish side Trabzonspor; who finished just out of a European qualification spot in 5th last season. Along with Ekuban, Vernon Anita has returned to Holland with Willem II on a season long loan, but will it be expected to fulfill his final year of his contract, which runs until 2020.  Michael (Macca) McMahon tells of his support of Boro and looks forward to the game with Leeds United at Elland Road on Friday evening.
How long have you supported Middlesborough? Since Jack Charlton saw the light and left Leeds for Boro 45 years ago. What’s your favourite moment as a Middlesborough fan? Season, game or anything other occasion. European campaign. The first ever European away the against Banik Ostrava where Jamie Morrison fired us to a 1-0 win. Tell us about a player that you were proud to have on the back of a shirt, if you didn’t is there one you wished you would have? Don't do shirts but Willie Maddren stands out for me. Immense on the field. A real Boro man through and through. Become a real legend in his fight against MND. What’s your most memorable match playing Leeds? Losing 1-0 on last day of the season that led to relegation. Juno looking so forlorn in the middle of the park. Are you happy with your dealings in this summer’s transfer market? Expected us to make the playoffs again. However if we can strengthen in the loan window and keep up the current for why not shoot for top spot. What’s your realistic aim for the season? Expected us to make the playoffs again. However if we can strengthen in the loan window and keep up the current for why not shoot for top spot. Can you name your three for relegation this year? Relegation: Rotherham Wigan and Birmingham Can you tell us about a rising star in the youth ranks? Luke Armstrong who is out on loan with Gateshead has fired 5 in 6 might be one to watch but Marcus Tavernier is on the fringes and pushing for a starting spot. Will be interesting to see him tonight against Rochdale. Prediction and scorers for the game? Given Boro defense at present I don't see a high scoring game. Think it will be a draw. 0-0. By Keith Ingham  Leeds United look set to add to their squad before deadline day with a loan move. Phil Hay has stated on Twitter that the whites are closing in on a loan move for a Premier League youngster but are keeping the deal close to their chest. The two players being linked with a move to Leeds are Chelsea forward Izzy Brown and Everton youngster Kieran Dowell, with both players looking to be potential cover for Leeds’ Samu Saiz.  Saiz has started the season incredibly and has been the focal point of many attacks for Leeds, but with the season being so long the club will need reinforcements.
Brown spent last season on loan at Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion but spent most of the season out injured, making only 15 appearances. The 21-year old has been recovering from an ACL injury sustained in January and is now only a few weeks away from a full recovery. Brown possesses great speed and skill and had a triumphant season on loan at Huddersfield Town in the 16/17 season when they were promoted, scoring five goals. Capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or coming inside from the wing, the English forward would add great versatility and speed that would allow him to cover and challenge Saiz, Alioksi and Hernandez for a starting spot this season. Dowell, a clever goal scoring midfielder from Everton spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest and was touted to feature for the Toffees this season. However, a loan move could be an option for the midfielder to gain valuable experience akin to last season, where he scored an impressive 10 goals and creating 5 assists from midfield. Also capable of occupying a space on the wing, Dowell would also add another edge to a Leeds squad that could not find a solution to Preston’s defence yesterday. With the loan window closing fast; Leeds remain precise in the transfer market and will continue their acquisition of top talent with either of these signings. Which player would you rather sign? Have your say in the comments below. By Ryan Ingham |
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