Leeds United (A) - Wed 28th Dec, 20:00 | Pre-Match Thread

[pavelsrnicek]

Delighted for Lewis, he seems very comfortable in possession not sure about him defensively but our back 4 have to collectively defend much better than against Liverpool. Not sure about both Mahrez and Grealish starting. Both are excellent in possession and holding onto the ball but are guilty of occasionally slowing our build up which makes us much easier to defend against. I think KDB will really need to be on it tonight.

 

[Goater=Legend]

And that's trying to be not negative?

I said im trying!

Phillips on the bench which isnt a shock.

 

[sh249]

Always a bit of a worry when Bernardo and Foden are both missing from the start. Can all become a bit one-paced. But should obviously have too much quality for them.
2-1 win.

 

[Gumzy97]

What's foden done? I thought he'd start tonight

 

[Gus Fring]

We haven’t lost when Grealish has played have we? So not sure why you’d worry.

Long may it continue

 

[Lauz9888]

I think Grealish and Mahrez together makes sense in this match.

Leeds are unlikely to sit back and might be a danger, given enough chances in an end-to-end match.

Jack and Riyad both offer ball retention which will reduce the number of attacks we face and stop the match getting out of control and pinbally. They're also both at their best with space to run into, which I'd assume they'll get if Leeds play as they tend to and try to come out and attack us.

Grealish/Mahrez will help control the pace, bring our midfield into the match, create chances, and limit what Leeds can do.

 

[stan bowles]

Alouka chatting shit...again.

 

[bluemoon32]

We will be fine, and if not we don’t deserve to win this league.

Exactly

 

[Chi-town blues]

fair play picking cb s as I had issue figuring out who sits for this one . Akanji but both right footed makes me bit nervous.

 

[Brightwell Bros.]

What a big night for Rico Lewis keeping Walker on the bench, even with all the caveats attached. Fair play to the lad.

 

[hilts]

Not exactly full of pace that side but enough quality to win. Let's hope Silva foden and walker play the next game. Alvarez would be nice as well

 

[wolviedinho]

Big vote of confidence for Lewis. Surprised not to see Phil but we have plenty of fire power to change things if needed.

The slow centre is a concern but if we keep possession then we won’t need to chase shadows. Interesting game.

 

[backforCity]

They both slow our game down and our front press suffers. This could prove costly against an aggressive Leeds.

Think Pep appreciates Jack and Mahrez keeping the ball. Will not want and end to end game like the Newcastle game.
However, I am not expecting Leeds to be anything like Newcastle I

 

[Mancini’s Pastilles]

We're losing this

 

[DruntBlunt]

Pep goes on about how aggressive and quick leeds are then picks a slow as fuck side.

A bit concerning yes. No Foden, Bernie, Alvarez nor Walker in the starting 11 isn't our most dynamic setup.

 

[GornikDaze]

Alouka chatting shit...again.

That’s what she’s paid to do! ;)

 

[Sky Blue]

Alouka chatting shit...again.

Oh not her. I'll tune in 5 mins before kick off.

 

[pudge]

Kinda fixture I hate

They'll be right up for it

Low expectations of a win

 

[Brightwell Bros.]

Can’t wait for this, proper excited!

Panicking on the pre-match thread, bitching about Mahrez, the premier league is back, baaaabbbbbyyyyy.

 

[Manc in London]

If we can't beat that team with the players we have put out on the pitch then we deserve to lose.

If 9nly football was played on paper