Leeds Banter

14 May 2024 09:18:01
Although I don't like saying it because he isn't a goal scorer we are not nearly as good a team when he isn't playing. He provides the cohesion and shape going forward. We papered over the cracks when Rutter was playing well before his injury and Summerville and Gnonto were chipping in. That's gone now. If we get past Norwich on our present form which is possible I don't think Southampton will do us any favours. Expecting them to win their second leg.

14 May 2024 10:55:01
I assume you are talking about Bamford?
If so yes I agree.

14 May 2024 10:57:18
Assuming you're talking about Bamford, Hess, as you didn't say who, haha.

14 May 2024 11:32:11
Baggies to win at Saints .

PB mentality is a bottler / awol expert for the biggest end of season matches ( 3 seasons in a row) . He is and would of be of little to no use for playoff matches.

Farke needs to be fricking " brave " / wise and play MJ . give him much more game time in play offs.

14 May 2024 11:38:37
I wholeheartedly agree if its Bamford, I have said this all along, he is needed in our current set up, and a huge loss. He is marmite, and I like marmite, but even those that don't should at least agree his is a huge loss to us at present.

14 May 2024 08:08:18
I see Jesse Marsch has been chosen as the Canadian national coach.
Not a surprise to see him get a free ticket to a major competition with a team that will lose every game in the group stages.
It’s embarrassing and humiliating in the knowledge that he was actually our coach.
Makes me cringe whenever I hear anything about him.

14 May 2024 11:10:33
Have to disagree O/ P. I genuinely believe we wouldn't have been relegated had he stayed in charge. Additionally, I don't think the players would have essentially down tools had he been there. We weren't going gang-busters under him, granted, but we were not getting thrashed every game either, which was happening before him and after him. Don't get me wrong, I don't think he was a good appointment in the first place, and his credentials for a EPL team very questionable, but we all sort of know why that decision was made. Notwithstanding that, he was doing enough to keep us in the League in my opinion.

I think he might surprise a few folks going forward.

14 May 2024 11:20:45
Few decent players there tbf. Jonathan David, Alphonso Davies, Tajon Buchanan and Stephen Estaquio are all quality players.

14 May 2024 07:39:40
{Ed's Note - gdog55 has posted a new article entitled, Current State of Glasgow Rangers

13 May 2024 15:53:54
Just had a thought bubble.
Do you think VAR should be used in the play off semi finals?
My personal opinion is yes, there is so much at stake and any little error is critical to both clubs.
Is it used in the final?

13 May 2024 16:44:02
Agree d.

13 May 2024 17:26:27
Defo yes, but with more time, and more VAR officials who are proven to be neutral, involved in the decisions.

13 May 2024 17:31:41
Should be VAR for semis

Read somewhere that VAR is used at playoff Wembley finals.

13 May 2024 17:34:03
It wouldn't be a tickle though Woody and Dougie . more a Baz Bazooka Special.

13 May 2024 17:41:36
Sadly it is being used in the final.

13 May 2024 18:10:10
Sadly Ani, it's necessary in my opinion. Why would you not want it for something so important?

13 May 2024 18:59:50
Ironically it never worked for us in the Premiership and it for sure doesn’t work without it in the Championship, in my opinion.

13 May 2024 19:24:39
I know what Ani is thinking…. You can guarantee that it won’t be used to our advantage, first penalty shout, offside, red card or disallowed goal, it will be us on the wrong side of it! 🙃🫣🙃🫣.

13 May 2024 19:36:33
Well Dougie, when we have goal given on field, but then ruled out with VAR, I won't be thanking VAR.

I just prefer the decision, right or wrong, done and dusted in 3 seconds; not 3 minutes. and even after 3 minutes still probably controversial.

13 May 2024 19:47:12
Same Ani.

13 May 2024 21:19:26
Two points to make around this.
In the first leg, was any Leeds supporter thinking willy should have had a penalty or at the very least a free kick?
Was Firpo offside?
VAR would have at least analysed it, but all we have done is moaned about the decisions made thinking we were hard done by.

13 May 2024 23:36:27
Spot on Dougie.

14 May 2024 00:27:05
OP Reason it didn't help us in the EPL is because we are not part of the top 6 elite.

14 May 2024 06:53:03
…and Dougie, VAR wouldn’t have overturned the penalty decision, so those moaning would still be moaning. 99% of folks are not moaning either way; they moved on 3 seconds after the decision.

I watched the Villa v Liverpool game last night, great spectacle spoilt by nearly 8 minutes of VAR interventions.

I don’t like VAR, simple as, and I firmly believe unless it’s universally used (prefer universally unused) , it is unfair. Look at the FA Cup, only used when games played at EPL grounds. EPL team advantage? Do you think Coventry would have preferred to be celebrating their 4-3 comeback win at Wembley, or moaning about how VAR saved Man U.

It is what it is, I think VAR overall has ruined the game, solved problems that really didn’t exist, and left fans moaning just the same. Refs get decisions wrong, Linesman miss things, players make mistakes, fans see different things; it’s the fabric of the game in my opinion.

14 May 2024 08:00:08
Have always said that VAR isn't the problem - it's the people who use it!

14 May 2024 11:11:34
Bit like guns Cleggy. but I think we would all prefer a world without guns nevertheless!

14 May 2024 11:23:26
I'm with Ani on this. Var has ruined too many great moments in games. Idiot officials can't use it properly so it's not really fit for purpose as is.

14 May 2024 11:42:54
If you can't make a correct decision in slow playback time then you should be a ref. The Coventry game you mention, that goal wouldn't have stood anyway, it's Manure we are talking about after all. We agree to disagree, but the point is this, if its there then it should be used in matches such as the playoffs due to how much is at stake, with good refs of course.

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 15:51:23
Maybe he needs a Baz tickle uder his belly to get his going, what you think Grey Cloud?

13 May 2024 16:55:49
Now wouldn’t that be an event Dougie! lol 😂 while your on with the tickle under his belly any chance you could include Meslier in that? Will have to be one big tickle but it’s for the team Baz! 🙃👍👍.

13 May 2024 22:18:13
I did read that if he doesn’t get his move to Liverpool he’s up for the lead role in purple rain the musical.

13 May 2024 23:38:16
C&J 😆.

14 May 2024 08:18:49
🤣🤣🤣👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻.

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 17:41:38
Agreed Baz, think it will be a struggle if we go up. We need a number of quality players that I think will be too expensive and break FFP. But then, let’s spend £500m, finish mid table and take a 4 point deduction and finish 11th?

13 May 2024 17:51:48
I think we would be battling with Leicester, Forest, Brenford, Southampton, Everton, Wolves and Fulham. I know, I will be castigated, but Ipswich will really struggle more in my opinion, though they could confound again I suppose.

I think with a decent pre-season, with some strengthening, we would be "14-16th" sort of side, perhaps winning a third of our games, 40 or so points, be on the wrong side of a few hidings and perhaps give a few shocks of our own. If we had any kind of form in those last 10 games, that's where we should have been last time.

13 May 2024 18:05:31
Sounds like a good plan MG 🤗.

13 May 2024 19:01:39
Err Ani my new " Goto Back Up Buddy" a couple of observations.

1) how the heck is it possible BOTH Leeds and Southampton are in EPL next season in your scenario 🤔

2) So are the Ipswich "Gonners" now going to be known as " The No Hopers" . or perhaps " don't Bother Turning Uppers " 😅.

13 May 2024 20:28:53
Typo by me Baz. At least you’re paying attention! .

Ipswich probably will be known as “even worse than the blades”. Let’s be brutally honest, Ipswich should have been no where near the EPL. It’s only our unbelievable capitulation, 4 points from 18 that have got them there. Their defence has been awful, in a dreadful championship…it will be murdered in the EPL. You will be utterly right, “they were a league one side last season, ” and that’s what they’ll look like.

All my opinion of course.

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.

13 May 2024 17:37:33
I’m not going to argue there Baz, as simply put, you are right that he is totally off it. Could he produce on Thurs? No one knows, but stats say no at the minute. We do know that he is however capable of winning the match for us with a touch, a pass, a one-two. Risk is the key word, and it’s huge, for a huge game.
I would hate to be in DF’s shoes with the key decisions he has to make.

13 May 2024 17:38:33
Some good points, Bright, Baz and agree about Gruev, George.

Just hope DF gets it right and those he picks perform to their capabilites and fight tooth and nail to get to the final.

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?