Leeds Banter

13 May 2024 13:44:16
My team for Thursday would be as below, even though I know it won't be anywhere near that.

Messlier
Roberts
Byram
Rodon
Creswell
Amps
Gruev
Kamara
James
Summerville
Joseph.

13 May 2024 14:38:50
Unfortunately Mick, the boy Cresswell doesn’t play the DF way, he likes his left and right backs to go forward and make runs, Cresswell just like an old fashioned centre back and I can’t see DF replacing Amps or Rodon in that area. I totally agree with the rest of your picks though although maybe rest Cry with Gnonto as Cry seems to be missing his mojo, either that if he can’t wait to get to Liverpool eh! 🤔🤔👍.

13 May 2024 14:42:46
Did anyone notice how many times Cry pulled out of 50/ 50 even 60/ 40 tackles yesterday? I know he’s not known for his all out tackling display, but yesterday he just seemed to pull out of most if not all of them. Maybe he’s frightened in case he gets injured therefore any move to another club is scuppered! Any thoughts peoples? 🤔🤔🤷🤷.

13 May 2024 14:58:41
As I said a few days ago, he's readying his showroom day in the final should we make it. There is an air of poor body language around him that I have pointed out for weeks now, something going on I believe.

13 May 2024 15:07:20
Mick Why are you dropping Firpo?

13 May 2024 15:09:44
What Woody and Dougie said

That's also further why it should be strongly considered to drop CS to bench.

We need ALL players starting on Thursday 120% fired up committed . CS is evidently not!

13 May 2024 08:39:33
Reading through the comments and I think although it was a cagey game I think most of us are pleased we kept quite solid and didn't give much away and controlled the game quite well.
It definitely gives us a good platform to build on
I also second some of the comments that Rutter has been very ineffective lately, maybe since the hernia?
I really think when we win the ball back we need to be a lot sharper and quicker with our passes, we gave Norwich time to get back as build up too slow .

I've gone from being a 3 out 10 confidence of beating Norwich to probably a 6 out of 10 now.

13 May 2024 09:16:04
Yes mighty I'm fairly pleased after Sunday. In the first half Norwich really pushed and I thought one of those succession of free kicks and corners for them would go in. Second half we controlled more and more. Even looked like we might nick it in the last ten.
And we had ball in the net and rutter and byram air shots could have gone in. So reasonably pleased.

13 May 2024 09:48:00
Yes. Calls to drop Rutter are just and you are right about too slow from the back.
We did control the game mostly and although mez makes me very nervous, I didn’t feel they could score.
Failing giving the game away I can’t really see them being able to beat us.
Keep midfield three. Joseph for Rutter. Jimmy to up his game and job done I reckon.
We were denied a good goal so Norwich fortunate to be on level terms.
Bit concerned about our slack passing creeping in again. Need to sharpen that up.

13 May 2024 13:23:00
Mighty, DF has played slow out the back all season, 15 passes to each other in our own half before trying to go forward. You think it will change now. We started 8 players from the back to midfield that have 2 goals between them. Don't think they are capable of playing quicker.

13 May 2024 13:30:08
Looking at both yesterdays games, you got to be very fearful of reality of going back into Prem

So many positions need upgrades that it will not be financially possible to achieve .

The standard of football in both games was woeful.

13 May 2024 15:16:09
' Very fearful ' Chris? .

Leeds United would at very least be able to strengthen the squad and team for a bottom 6 battle

We all love Leeds to win so it could be another tough watch season . but it's more than feasible to stay up ( just )


Bottom 6 next season likely

Brentford Everton Forest and the 3 promoted teams.

13 May 2024 07:39:37
{Ed's Note - Shappy has posted a new article entitled, Hidden Gem Players Manchester United Could Sign

13 May 2024 02:16:50
Wish injured Leeds supporter full and speedy recovery after the alleged incident. ⚕️⛑️⚖️.

13 May 2024 08:13:46
That was disgraceful behaviour yesterday, when will people learn to be respectful. Football has always been full of banter, but there are lines that should not be crossed, and I send my thoughts to the poor guy and his son. I just hope the morons don't come out on Thursday and seek retribution on the innocent away fans. We are better than that, I hope!

13 May 2024 08:23:28
Totally agree with George and Dougie.

12 May 2024 19:12:44
Good result that away from home. Bossed the 2nd half but just struggling for creativity up front somewhat. I would have taken that before kick off so happy enough.

12 May 2024 20:01:56
Decent result. but who is scoring for Leeds on Thursday?

12 May 2024 20:48:02
Baz, A certain young Striker who DF has done No justice will score and become a cult hero. mark my word. that's what I Invision happening.

12 May 2024 21:24:56
Hooksie I hear yer but we have been waiting all season for DF to be " brave" actually more accurately "wise" and gibe MJ a chance


Bottom line

Rutter needs dropping for MJ for Thursdays literally MUST WIN match

Rutter no goals in past 14 matches

Rutter no assists in last 9 matches

Rutter is NOT contributing when it now matters most in any shape or form.

12 May 2024 22:50:59
Have to agree, he is really struggling.

13 May 2024 00:57:18
Team for Thursday

Meslier ( sadly no better choice) )
Roberts ( if fit to start if not Byram)
Rodon
Amps
Firpo
Gruev
Cresswell
Gray
James
Gnonto ( or Anthony)
Joseph (but Farke won't start him so Piroe up front )


subs
Summerville, Rutter etc.

13 May 2024 02:48:02
typo Kamara ( not Cresswell)

13 May 2024 08:37:30
Although Rutter’s performances of late have not been brilliant, he can still create something out of nothing like he did against Middlesbrough to win that penalty.
For me he always has that in his locker, what concerns me more though with him is his carelessness, losing the ball very easily. I wouldn’t be surprised to read a stat that he loses the ball more than any other player in our team.
It’s this part I am concerned about him and especially with Norwich’s quick counter attacking, it could cost us?

13 May 2024 08:38:14
I do concur, their form isn't great. Ha ing said that, I don't think dropping our two most creative players is going to be the best idea. They can both still create (or in the case of Cry - score) something out of nothing. Something no one else in the team does, as the season has shown.

I want Joseph to start and drop Rutter back into 10. Rest Gruev or Gray.

Regardless, I think we see a more positive tactical approach Thursday. Was clear we played for a clean sheet yesterday and anything else further than that was deemed a bonus. Not the most aesthetic thing to watch, but job done in that regard, and it now sets us up to go at them at ER.

All or nothing Thursday.

13 May 2024 08:44:55
And I don't necessarily disagree with your team selection, Baz. Just would be reluctant to drop them given they can produce magic IF they find form again (it's got to happen at some point hasn't it? Surely. )

13 May 2024 13:06:08
Look at it from a different angle; if Farke drops Cree and Gio, we blank, and canaries either score two, or beat us on Pens, as when brought on, the hindsight brigade say it was too late to have any effect, no matter what minute subs come one, he is damned.
If we don’t get the right result, no matter what he does, he is damned.
Now I’m not saying which is right, as to be perfectly honest, I don’t know; it’s a real 50-50 call, with no correct answer at this point in time.
Both Cree and Gio can turn the game in 60seconds, and we are through. I will support whatever decision he makes, and hope that it’s proves to be the correct one!

13 May 2024 13:47:46
Watching Rutters last 9 matches in particular Bright, I think it's more than fair to say, in fact it's factual that he has been playing badly giving ball away incessantly, often in dangerous areas, he has not scored nor assisted goals etc

At moment Rutter might actually be somewhat effectual coming on after say 65 mins ; he certainly isn't effective at all starting matches playing 90 mins at moment

Farke made a " brave" wise decision in previous game strengthening midfield, he needs to make another for Thursday.

As for Summerville it's more contentious to drop him. play him from start OK . but maybe dropping him will really fire him up and bring him on at HT.

13 May 2024 13:49:07
We must eliminate the handbrake and drop the Bulgarian. He's also hurting Leeds.

12 May 2024 19:06:40
Well siblings, all I am going to say is this. Please now grasp the nettle, live or die by what you do in 90. Playing chess is a dangerous game, teams that are scared of taking risks, losing, will lose. Offence is the best form of defence and as the minutes tick down to a wasted opportunity the pressure builds. Play our game for 180 minutes and we are promoted. Succumb to fear and we go out without a whimper.

12 May 2024 20:04:56
Team hasn't played freely for months though.

12 May 2024 20:14:06
Vid I said the same thing months ago when we were already in the playoffs. If we went all out we would have had automatic promotion.

Scared football doesn't get you promoted.

12 May 2024 21:30:57
Vid you talk in rousing words but without any specifics of what really needs to be done.

DF being more pro active may have got you your 1st place Champions bet


' Grasping the nettle ' . being brave requires DF to certainly drop Rutter ( for Joseph) his goal stats past 14 games are dreadful . no goals . and no assists in 9 games

Dropping Summerville should also happen if DJ can start.

13 May 2024 13:09:55
But as is the case with DJ, Gio’s season stats are impressive.
He can do it when on song, as can Dan.
DJ also not on song at the moment, but his season stats get him the start, while Gio’s get him dropped?

12 May 2024 18:03:27
Question for the forum including Eds. If the second leg is a draw at full-time, extra time first or straight to 🖋️🖋️?

12 May 2024 18:44:36
It goes to Extra Time George

And then penalties

As what happened yesterday in League 2 play off semi

Klaessen or even the tea lady subbed on at 120 mins for Mes if so.

12 May 2024 18:48:16
And do away goals count? Either at ft or after et?

12 May 2024 19:33:36
Baz, I know in an earlier post where I was questioning your positivity and you said you would never appreciate Brighty and OP’s posts, well you should really get your eyes around Brighty’s posts below and Ani’s as they are talking complete sense, Dougie is making some good points too.

Aus is on the ball and Corky is talking sense. Stop dismissing their posts and get on board with what happened today, DF had a game plan which worked, we worked well as a team and to be fair we controlled a lot of that game with 9 men as Cry and Georginio were not at the races today, let’s hope they are up for it on Thursday although I would prefer DJ if fully fit.

I feel that Norwich were really no threat to us, they are top of the set play league and they had a few set plays but we weren’t troubled. Elland Road a completely different kettle of fish for Norwich and they have to come at us and that’s where we will win it. ALAW, MOT 👍👍👍👍.

12 May 2024 20:06:31
Woody
I already praised DF for packing mf

Big question is his line up up top on Thursday

Play DJ and MJ please from start.

12 May 2024 20:52:38
I agree with that Baz, definitely DJ and hopefully MJ with Piroe playing the number 10 roll. Gnonto on one side DJ on the other, MJ up front with Piroe behind him. Kamara and Gruev midfield with Roberts, Rodon, Amps and Firpo in defence and Nigel Martin in goal! Gray, Byram, Cry, and Rutter all benched and ready to come on when needed. My prediction is 3 or 4 nil to Super Leeds 🙏🙏🤞🤞 👍👍👍👍.

12 May 2024 21:33:24
Yes nice one Woody. 👍 we agree

But will DF do so 🙄?

can we pick team instead . please.

12 May 2024 23:34:53
With all the money we spend being a Leeds fan and following them all over, plus all the mental torture we go through season after season, game after game we should be allowed to contribute in some way to picking the team Baz, you are 100% right, maybe as we see it in a different way to DF he can take on board our findings and find a happy medium eh, what do you think Bazinold? 🙃🙃🤔🤔👍👍.

13 May 2024 01:00:08
Would be nice Woody

My 100 %ers team for Thursday is listed on a post above

goal (s) sources : DJ, Gnonto, Anthony, Joseph, Piroe even Roberts perhaps.

12 May 2024 17:46:49
Didn't watch the match but read a couple of reports and this page.
Would've taken it before 12.00.
As always, I'm looking on the positive side, Norwich will have to come to ours and try to score. Unlike Blackburn and Sunderland who put 10 men behind the ball. We seem to be able to cope better when teams come to play, struggle when teams play for the draw and attack on the counter.

12 May 2024 17:57:58
ILK

David Wagner will play for penalties. of which they would win

His previous Huddersfield team won playoffs without scoring a fricking goal.

12 May 2024 19:16:23
How do you know Norwich would win on penalties Baz?, with that question how did your 2-0 Norwich win prediction go Baz? Please tell us all, is there any part of Leeds United you have faith with? We are beat before we even get on the pitch with you, It beggers belief it really does 🤷🤷🤷🤷.

12 May 2024 20:11:51
Woody I stated that 2 nil prediction was on DF doing his usual selection playing JP, CS GR and WG. zero press . wide open midfield

Thankfully he listened to Baz and played all 3 of IG AG and GM in more solid mf dropping Piroe to bench

Wise decision 👌.

12 May 2024 20:53:38
I will give you that one Baz and very good on the positivity 👍👍.

12 May 2024 16:11:36
Anyone else concerned about Mes, I'm on eggshells every time he has the ball, his distribution is poor and leaves it right to last minute to kick after doing back and forth flicks. I won't be concerned if we sell after all this is over.

12 May 2024 16:48:47
Very much so.

12 May 2024 17:02:26
3 seasons and counting from my perspective

Not called " Gashlier" without reason.

12 May 2024 17:11:05
To be fair, the first “mistake” was Gruev calling for the ball and then not controlling it. Can’t believe the commentary; watch the replay and you can see Gruev beckoning for the ball, which Mez obliges. That unsettled him imo.

12 May 2024 17:35:06
Agree with that point Ani, which raises another question; what has happened to Illia? He isn’t the same player that was such a revelation when he broke into the team. Much more negative in his play than he was before. Has he been told to play that way, or is he being overly cautious? Dunno the answer myself, but I much preferred him with his head up and looking forwards to release the offensive players.

12 May 2024 18:21:48
Thing is requesting the ball doesn't mean you should pass it, Mes needs to grow a pair and realise that wasn't the option.
This is just a singular event we are discussing here, it's more the constant late like away after using his flicky feet, distribute the ball quicker, getting the team fwd is the focus.
Don't get me wrong he is young, but anyone who watches him can see his flaws, doesn't catch, punches unnecessarily, flicky feet right up until the opposition is mowing him down, I just find him frustrating.

12 May 2024 18:25:59
I think it’s the form of CS and Rutter Bright. You can see the whole middle struggling to find someone to past forward too. CS when he gets it, just comes back now ( now everyone has worked out his cutbacks) . Bamford makes space, which others just can’t seem to. We were more aggressive when we had players playing out of position; now everyone is in position, we seem so lethargic / toothless.

I just hope we can scrape by.

12 May 2024 18:52:15
Bamford a massive loss. Norwich two CBs were literally marking nobody today.
There’s a big clamour for Joseph to start and despite only seeing him play a few times he makes the runs to make space for others, is strong on ball and apparently a good finisher. James would be another option up front imo. His finishing can be erratic but at least he’s a handful for defenders something which Rutter is not last few months.

12 May 2024 19:12:27
Too true Bright about Gruev, his performances recently have been a concern.
Also Meslier is the normal go to player to blame if we don’t win, I don’t think he did too much wrong throughout the match, he had a clean sheet but wasn’t really tested, I’m more concerned about other players who still look under par and they would be Rutter and Cy.
There was only one player in my mind in the first half who showed some sort of a spark and that was Willy.

Ref got that decision completely wrong, again! Possibly not a pen but 100% a foul. The offside where we scored was dubious also.

To win this game at Elland rd we will need Rutter and Summerville transforming their game a little bit, especially Rutter, as he is our creativity with his strength and agility, he has to dig deeper.

As with the other game with Brom and Southampton, neither team in this first game wants to give an advantage and nil nil’s are not a big surprise considering what is at stake.
I just hope at our place with the fans we give that bit extra to get that goal and it will be only be one goal if it’s decided in open play I feel.
Penalty shootout must not be an option but could be a big possibility in this kind of game.

Our defending was better than recent and Archie for such a young player looked the most assured in his role today, such a talent that kid.

12 May 2024 19:19:36
Corky, I think MJ or Piroe, if he was on at the time, would have got to that cross that Georginio totally aired and missed right in front of goal, nailed on for Bam Bam that one!

12 May 2024 20:14:26
That would have been missed by Bamford . it was a right foot effort. and Bamford has no right foot.

12 May 2024 14:17:02
I think Norwich were there for the taking in the second half . It was very cagey as you'd expect but we really have lost our spark and cutting edge and confidence.

12 May 2024 14:45:47
Yep yep.

12 May 2024 15:35:33
Agree re the spark, but, it was an improvement on recent performances, and we looked much more solid, particularly against one of the best set piece sides in the division. Would’ve been happier had we nicked a goal, as the pressure will be huge at home, but we are still very much in with a shout. Kamara MOTM for me today in a much stronger performance from him, more reminiscent of his earlier season form.

12 May 2024 16:01:44
Given the way we have been playing, the outcome was ok; on the whole we did the job Farke obviously played for. Our biggest problem is the form / state of Rutter and Summerville. It was like we were playing with 9 men for most of the game. Both were feeling sorry for themselves. There was a slight improvement when James and Anthony came on.

Norwich gave it a go for about 10 minutes and then very poor.

Like most, would have taken it at the start, but somewhat frustrated we didn’t take the opportunity. Not sure what can be done about Summerville; it’s not as if Farke would be given any credence/ credit for dropping him.

I would start James next week.

12 May 2024 16:49:46
I’d say it was a decent result
And certainly
I felt we looked quite comfortable (apart from a few moments from Meslier )
I think we can get it final.

12 May 2024 16:57:08
I think Jimmy has left the building, but likely to show up if we get to Wembley for a showroom performance.

12 May 2024 17:02:48
Indeed Dougie.

13 May 2024 05:11:09
Agree about Kamara, Bright.

Just watched the "highlights" to refresh my memory, but Cry did have a de ent rubbish in goal and create 2 chances, whilst Rutter had a role in that disallowed goal (albeit he was flagged for offside) and found himself in a good position to score, which he fluffed.

Considering the minimal chances created due to our more reserved tactics, I don't thibk that the end of the world. I'd assume more attacking freedom will be granted for Thursday which hopefully coincides with an upturn in both their ability to impact the tram going forward.

But granted, nothing is a given so wpuld not be suprised to see some rotation, although I'd personally be reluctant as they are both capable of producing something out of nothing when on form.

13 May 2024 13:27:06
I tend to agree with all of that Dill.
Quite simply though, If we don’t get a result on Thurs, no matter what Farke does, he will be targeted by a selection of fans and labelled a failure. He is pretty much in a no win situation, unless we absolutely thrash them.