They beat us twice last season, they are at full-strength, and we’ve got an injury list longer than LGI on a Friday night. Just look at their team: Fabianski, Ogbonna, Rice, Benrahma, Bowen, Soucek, Antonio, Fournals. They are technically strong, excellent from set pieces, and they were the width of a goalpost from hammering us last season. Do we have a chance of kicking off our season? Well, yes.
A couple of pointers. Firstly, Bielsa has to play Rodrigo at center forward and leave Roberts on the bench. Bamford is out, Rodrigo is a number nine, it’s a no-brainer.
Secondly, Cresswell has to play. They killed us in the air in both games last season. He can mitigate that risk. With Ayling likely to be out, I think Shacks deserves a go at right back, and Firpo has to deliver on the left.
The key to the game for me is the four players ahead of KP. If Raph is fit, we always have a chance. If not, give Summerville a go. Klich, James and Dallas to take the rest of the places. And we have to see the Dallas from last season.
For all their qualities, West Ham are beatable and they have taken just two points from their last nine. They have conceded seven goals in five games, and we have created a lot of chances. Our first half against Newcastle was our best of the season.
In summary, if we can gel, we can ask questions of West Ham, but Bielsa needs to change his mind. Mules find it easier to do that. I think we can get a point, but can anyone see us getting all three?
How do we beat West Ham?
posted on 24/9/21
comment by Lorralorimer (U18994)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by LufcGermany (U6066)
posted 2 hours, 23 minutes ago
Bamford got hammered by most and people said he wouldn't make it in the Premier league!..
Boy has he had the last word!..
Roberts is one that might not be scoring just yet, but he does put pressure on defences and that makes it easier for our front line, he gets in good positions and if used more the chances are the goals will come!..
He just needs a bit off confidence building which only comes when playing games!..
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Roberts has had regular games since we were in the Champs – how much time does he need?
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I think people see what they want to see on this board, look not at his stats but the post match player ratings, time and again if not the worst player on the pitch close to it. He started against Fulham and was first player off.
How many more chances does he need to be given.
posted on 24/9/21
comment by Lorralorimer (U18994)
posted 2 hours, 46 minutes ago
comment by LufcGermany (U6066)
posted 2 hours, 23 minutes ago
Bamford got hammered by most and people said he wouldn't make it in the Premier league!..
Boy has he had the last word!..
Roberts is one that might not be scoring just yet, but he does put pressure on defences and that makes it easier for our front line, he gets in good positions and if used more the chances are the goals will come!..
He just needs a bit off confidence building which only comes when playing games!..
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Roberts has had regular games since we were in the Champs – how much time does he need?
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He's been outscored by summer signings already. Edouard, Gray and Lookman all have goals this season, Toney has a handful. 8 in almost 90 is a poor return. He needs 40 games upfront week in week out at championship level imo
posted on 24/9/21
Have Faith, no one would like Roberts to succeed more than me and I can honestly say I have never booed a player or slagged them off at ER, and we have had some right old donkeys in my 45 plus years watching Leeds man and boy. Do you remember Robinson the left back we had in the Eightees?
Anyway back to Roberts, you can tell there's a talented player in there, and maybe myself and others are guilty of forgetting he's still quite young and the pressure is massive and I feel for the lad but tomorrow is a game we really need to get something from so the atmosphere is going to be even tenser so I personally would put Roberts on the bench and play Rodrigo at 9 and if by some chance we are lucky enough to be leading with a few minutes to go, put him on then.
I have a feeling Bielsa will probably start with Roberts for a half at least and if he does then I'll be praying he has a great game and gets that monkey off his back and smashes one in.
posted on 24/9/21
comment by Outwood White (U9610)
posted 5 hours, 46 minutes ago
Not sure whats been up with Dallas this season. Hes been a shadow of the star player we saw last season. Ayling similar too.
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Dallas got clattered by Barnes at Burnley. I am sure he is carrying an injury. Just another victim of dreadful refereeing this season. At least we don’t have Mike Dean refereeing this one.
posted on 24/9/21
Part of the problem with Roberts is his arrogance. He talks himself up, but he does not deliver. Players like Dallas do not let their egos get in the way of their football. Bamford had a similar problem when he was missing chances in the Championship. Remember the cupped hand to the ear to our fans after he ended a barren run? The solution may be as simple as Roberts letting his football do the talking. He does look good in moments, but as one poster memorably said, ‘whatever the question is, Roberts is not the answer.’
posted on 24/9/21
Just one look at Social Media and its awful the amount of hate Roberts gets on there. Far worse than what's on here. Cringeworthy
posted on 24/9/21
That's why I try to stay away from the usual forms of social media - there's no place for hatred towards any footballer. It's just a game ffs.
posted on 24/9/21
comment by HaveFaithInLeeds (U8688)
posted 9 hours, 13 minutes ago
The views on Roberts from Leeds fans at the moment are shocking. I do not understand why fans need to pick a scapegoat all the time.
I bet it's the same fans constantly giving Roberts over the top criticism that were clamoring for him to replace Bamford 2 years ago because 'Roberts was a far better finisher'.
And anyone that says that Roberts scoring only 2 in 30 odd games isn't good enough for a striker is an idiot. Because he's hardly ever played as a striker.
Roberts has been better than Dallas in every appearance so far this season.
I cannot believe Rodrigo missed an open goal after a decent effort by Roberts against Fulham and Roberts got the stick. It's laughable.
Roberts' end product is lacking. And it's quite clear that the pressure he is feeling is intense. Because unless you are blind to football it's obvious the boy has loads of ability. The last thing he needs is people with short memories blaming him for everything that goes wrong.
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Very well said that man.
posted on 25/9/21
score more than them
posted on 25/9/21
To be honest though
2 in 30 odd games is a woeful return for a number ten too...