First off, apologies for the early thread but Mrs H and myself are taking the Grandkids away for a long weekend (God help us )
Right, Welcome to the Matchday thread and the visit of Watford to the home of the Mighty Whites, after the disappointment last week I'm hoping the Lads can put things right and get 3 points on the board
Venue...Elland Road...Date...2nd Oct...Kick Off...1500hrs
Team News
Leeds United
Bielsa revealed during Thursday's pre-match press conference that Raphinha would be available for selection this weekend, but Patrick Bamford remains on the sidelines due to an ankle problem.
The news is mixed in terms of absentees, as Robin Koch, Luke Ayling and Adam Forshaw are also out, but Diego Llorente is available once again, while Pascal Struijk has now served his suspension and should start.
Rodrigo could again lead the line, while Jack Harrison might come into the team on the left, with Daniel James potentially dropping down to the bench for the home side.
Stuart Dallas is an option to start at right-back, but Jamie Shackleton could continue in defence depending on whether Llorente proves his match fitness over the next 24 hours or so.
Watford
Watford, midfielder Peter Etebo is facing four to five months on the sidelines with the muscular injury that he suffered against Newcastle last weekend.
Etebo is the away team's only confirmed absentee, though, with Tom Cleverley and Daniel Bachmann both being declared fit to feature at Elland Road.
Head coach Xisco could introduce Ozan Tufan into his starting XI this weekend, but it might otherwise be the same side that took to the field for the first whistle against Newcastle, with in-form Ismaila Sarr playing off the left and Joshua King operating at the tip of the attack.
Links.................. .........
Video....... Hesgoal, usagoals Beinsports ? getting harder to find
(there's also streams on Social media I believe )
Match Stats
Since the start of last season, Leeds have scored more Premier League goals from outside the box (17) than any other side, including three of their six strikes this season. Meanwhile, only Crystal Palace (four) have shipped more goals from distance so far this term than Watford (three).
Watford’s 3-1 win at Norwich in their last away game ended a run of eight consecutive away defeats in the Premier League. The Hornets last won consecutive top-flight games on the road back in September 2017 (three).
No player has had more shots from outside the box in the Premier League this season than Leeds’ Raphinha (14), with 74% of the Brazilian’s total attempts this term coming from distance.
Only Mohamed Salah (15) has had more shots on target than Watford’s Ismaila Sarr so far in the Premier League this season, with 11 of the Senegalese’s 16 total attempts on target so far (including four goals).
So, Watford sitting mid table while we're still languishing down in the doldrums
Time for a change methinks 3-1 to the Mighty Leeds with Philips, Raph and Stuey getting the goals,
Over to You......................................Predictions etc........................
Come Onnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn Leeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeds!!!
MOT
Can we go Live Please Admins
Leeds Utd v Watford Matchday Thread
posted on 2/10/21
Is three points enough to paper over the cracks? Lucky we had the ref on our side today, That Watford goal could easily have been given. I’d swap Rodrigo for Billy Paynter in a heartbeat. Valencia must be creaming themselves.
posted on 2/10/21
Will need to be more clinical. Better sides will score and will take points unless we take a few more chances. Good 2 weeks.to get numbers back
posted on 2/10/21
All we had a stone cold penalty not given first half. We were easily the better side by a country mile.
posted on 2/10/21
I'm negative. But even I see all we need to do is stay 17th or higher and get ourselves a third season in Prem and keep building.
posted on 2/10/21
Watford were truly awful,any half decent side would have got something today.
posted on 2/10/21
Last season, Bamford proved himself a poacher of the highest order. Rodrigo hasn't got the same instincts, which is why we'll all welcome Patrick back after the break. I call us hapless in front of goal - but many would say useless.
posted on 2/10/21
Dallas not on his game at the moment. Is he carrying an injury? Roberts looked lively when he came on. Will he start against Southampton?
posted on 2/10/21
Finally, a win! Had a bit of luck on our side today which has been missing in the previous games. I think the lads played well - apart from being poor at finishing. We are always better with Llorente in the team so I hope he stays injury free for a while. I think Daniel James was great today. I’m really pleased we finally managed to sign him.
posted on 2/10/21
Happy with that. Anyone moaning should take a long hard look in the mirror.
We were good across the pitch. End product not great, but their area was packed, and we got unlucky with the clearance off the line and the subsequent hit of the crossbar. Should have a penalty in the first half, as well. Fortunately not punished like we were against Newcastle.
posted on 4/10/21
Thanks for looking after the thread Lads managed to survive the long W/End with Mrs H and the Grandkids (just)