Marching On Together

Stoke City v Leeds United
Thursday 26th December 8:00pm | Bet365 Stadium


Leeds have the perfect opportunity to close the gap at the top of the Championship on Boxing Day, but only if they can heap more misery on a Stoke side who have not won since early November. Another loss at the weekend, this time at the hands of ten men Sheffield Wednesday will do little for the Potters momentum, having only picked up four points from the last eight games. Leeds on the other hand will be brimming with confidence following their 4-0 demolition of Oxford Utd, thanks to Aaronson, Solomon and James all playing starring roles.

With Sheffield Utd travelling to Burnley, a side with six wins and two draws from their previous eight games, even the most sceptical Leeds fans will expect Farke's side to at-least close the three point gap. Herein lies the problem - away from home Leeds have been very average. They've picked up 14 points on the road from ten games so far, seven less than Burnley, and eight less than Sheffield Utd who have played an away game more.





Leeds last visit to the Bet365 Stadium (also a midweek game) ended badly for Farke's men, coming away empty handed after Bamford skied a penalty into row Z, followed minutes later by Struijk heading into his own net (after the ball ricochet off the bar). They'll be hoping for better fortunes this time.

Injuries force line-up changes for both sides! The hosts will miss Ben Pearson in midfield, likely seeing Tatsuki Seko and Wouter Burger paired in a double pivot. A back three of Wilmot, Rose, and Gibson could protect Johansson in goal. Upfront, Cannon should lead the line, supported by Moran and Koumas.

Leeds are also dealing with defensive absences. Firpo and Wober are out, and there are doubts regarding Pascal Struijk after missing the Oxford time due to a tight hamstring. With a busy festive calendar, Farke is unlikely to deviate away from a back four of Bogle, Rodon, Ampadu, and Byram. With Gruev injured, Rothwell and Tanaka will anchor midfield, while James and Solomon provide the width.



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Let's stoke up the fire this time!

Meslier
Bogle
Byram
Ampadu
Rodon
Struijk
James
Tanaka
Joseph
Aaronson
Solomon (though I'd prefer to watch Ramazani)

Agree re. Ramazani, but don't see Struijk starting.

Will be great to have a tribute to George Eastham. Great player.

I'm a little concerned that we haven't seen more from Ramazzani since coming back from injury, especially considering how quickly Amps came back...

Ellandback1 wrote: ↑Wed Dec 25, 2024 7:49 am I'm a little concerned that we haven't seen more from Ramazzani since coming back from injury, especially considering how quickly Amps came back...

James & Soloman currently producing the goods.

Ramazani will get his chance to shine at sometime in what is a busy period.

We have a 30% win rate last ten boxing day games

Ellandback1 wrote: ↑Wed Dec 25, 2024 7:49 am I'm a little concerned that we haven't seen more from Ramazzani since coming back from injury, especially considering how quickly Amps came back...

Probably waiting for a cup game or Solomon injury.

Bogle to score a screamer from half way line.

For his second goal, he balances the ball on his head, and walks it into the goal.

And for his hat trick he does an audacious back heel penalty.

Ellandback1 wrote: ↑Wed Dec 25, 2024 7:49 am I'm a little concerned that we haven't seen more from Ramazzani since coming back from injury, especially considering how quickly Amps came back...

Solomon and James form is hard to look beyond. However, there is likely going to be some rotation during this run of games.

Amps is a physical specimen and playing at CB means less running with the way we play.

Sean_Nile wrote: ↑Thu Dec 26, 2024 9:53 am Bogle to score a screamer from half way line.

For his second goal, he balances the ball on his head, and walks it into the goal.

And for his hat trick he does an audacious back heel penalty.

Too many eggnog’s

Any truth in the whispers that Rodon is out tonight?

1964white wrote: ↑Thu Dec 26, 2024 3:15 pm Any truth in the whispers that Rodon is out tonight?

.

Where have you seen that mate ?

He's been named in the squad so very recent issue if true ...

Barlow Boy wrote: ↑Thu Dec 26, 2024 3:19 pm .

Where have you seen that mate ?

One of my mates who believes everything he reads on Facebook.

Unconvinced, the information was true!

The Subhuman wrote: ↑Thu Dec 26, 2024 3:27 pm He's been named in the squad so very recent issue if true ...

Untrue I'd assume.

Leeds last away win in England was 4 months ago..

We have to be on it from the start tonight as we know the type of game we'll get from Stoke. Most likely a physical type of game to Millwall, Blackburn and Preston. We need to find a way to counter it.

Stoke haven't won in eight matches.

What could go wrong?

About time we got a dodgy penalty going our way