Marching On Together

Wednesday 6th February 7.45pm | CBS Arena


Leeds United head into a challenging midweek trip to Coventry City—a fixture that carries extra significance as it marks our first victory in CV6 in almost 15 years. Fresh off a scintillating 7–0 demolition of Cardiff City that featured six different scorers and extended our unbeaten run to 12 matches, our side is riding a wave of confidence. The prospect of facing a team that has long been a bogey for us adds both intrigue and motivation as we seek to rewrite history at Coventry.

Frank Lampard’s Coventry have been in fine form recently, topping the form guide with four wins, a draw, and only one defeat in their last six outings—just a single point ahead of Leeds. The Sky Blues’ evolution under Lampard has been remarkable. From his initial 4–2–3–1 approach focused on possession to a more pragmatic back-three and containment strategy, Coventry have adapted tactically to secure crucial results. Despite some underperformance in front of goal, the team has consistently shown resilience and tactical flexibility, making them a formidable opponent on their home turf.

In addition to tactical shifts, our opponents boast impressive statistical credentials at home, consistently ranking among the league’s best for chances created while limiting chances given away. However, the attacking side of the Midlanders remains underwhelming relative to their underlying numbers, a contrast that Leeds could exploit. While Coventry’s progressive approach in midfield and wide play has set them apart, their tendency to falter at key moments could be the undoing that our side is well poised to take advantage of.





Leeds manager Daniel Farke was candid in his pre-match press conference, expressing respect for Coventry’s ability to finish among the top six. Farke commended the foundation laid by Mark Robins and acknowledged that Frank Lampard’s side, with its myriad attacking options and flexible style, is a brave and capable opponent. At the same time, he underscored his belief in our squad, highlighting that while competition among the forwards is fierce, every player understands the need to earn their place. This balanced approach to squad management reflects our focus on results rather than merely keeping everyone content.

Key players will play a pivotal role in tonight’s clash. The return of Junior Firpo, whose hat-trick of assists recently lit up the pitch, has been a revelation, while standout performances from Manor Solomon, Dan James, and Joel Piroe have solidified their places in the starting XI ahead of Ramazani, Gnonto, and Joseph. However, injury concerns persist, Pascal Struijk likely returing from his hamstring issue, and Patrick Bamford’s troublesome injury has kept him sidelined for several weeks. With fresh faces for Coventry like Matt Grimes potentially making his debut following a deadline day move, tonight’s match is as much about tactical adjustments as it is about individual contributions.

Looking ahead, Farke is clear on the club’s ambitions. Despite the busy schedule, the focus remains on securing points and moving closer to promotion to the Premier League, a goal that has eluded the team last season. The mood in the squad is one of determination and unity, with every player aware of the stakes involved. As we the team prepare to face Coventry, the message is unequivocal: play with intensity, remain tactically sharp, and seize the opportunity to not only secure a crucial win away from home but maintain the distance to the chasing pack.


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A neighbour mentioned this game is on SKY red button, but can’t find confirmation anywhere?

Comforable win expected ..

Barlow Boy wrote: ↑Tue Feb 04, 2025 11:44 am A neighbour mentioned this game is on SKY red button, but can’t find confirmation anywhere?

I've read that is is on sky+ but I've also read that it isnt

whiteswan wrote: ↑Tue Feb 04, 2025 1:08 pm I've read that is is on sky+ but I've also read that it isnt

Tonight’s rearranged game is on the sky plus Swannie, QPRV Blackburn, but tomorrow night they have the EFL trophy on that channel.

I’ll have another scout round later, and hopefully it will be on the red button

Fond memories of the 3-0 win over Coventry earlier in the season.
Got my annual trip to Elland Rd that day courtesy of a present from the kids of a hospitality ticket.

Hope for a similar points outcome on Wednesday. The players will be brimming with confidence after last weekend.

Incidentally, they have hiked the hospitality prices by £40-£50 since earlier in the season.
That's proper inflation .... or maybe price gouging.
My best route to a ticket has become a lot more expensive.

Pullhard wrote: ↑Tue Feb 04, 2025 1:35 pm Fond memories of the 3-0 win over Coventry earlier in the season.
Got my annual trip to Elland Rd that day courtesy of a present from the kids of a hospitality ticket.

Hope for a similar points outcome on Wednesday. The players will be brimming with confidence after last weekend.

Incidentally, they have hiked the hospitality prices by £40-£50 since earlier in the season.
That's proper inflation .... or maybe price gouging.
My best route to a ticket has become a lot more expensive.

They do that when it gets to the business end of the season. I was offered a hospitality package with a meal at the Queens Hotel, a coach to the ground but find your own way back to the hotel. Told em to get lost.

Farke on Coventry

I still want to commend Mark Robins did an outstading job. Always fighting for top six posotions and came close with promotion to the PL. He laid the base and foundation for success. The club made a change and Frabk is doing an outstading job.

In the last five games, he is top of the form chart. Many attacking options, flexible in their style. It's a brave side and we are aware of their strengths. Wherever we go, we have a chance to win the points.

We are respectful, they are a side who can finish in the top six. Patrick is injured but the others are more or less available.

It's good to have this game quickly. It's a pretty busy schedule so we have to keep in mind for the upcoming games.

Joseph

I always back my players. They all want to be succesful as a team. They know they can be successful as a team and have good options.

I was a striker and you have to fight to get anough minutes. if another striker comes in, perhaps there are a few doubts. Somtimes you need that competition but it can also be a little too much.

We have to take decisions to be the be suuccessful at Leeds United. The message is that we totally trust [players].

Aaronson

Brenden can play every game. He's busy like a bee, and you have to make him relax a little bit.

You can never predict if he gets a booking and gets suspension or an injury/ I spoke open if he has the right character and quality then we will do this, but it is not easy.

Promotion expectations

This is the expectation. What I want is to make sure it belongs. I haven't signed a contract to stay in this league in the next four years.

Just because we have the best fans in the country and tradition... together in the last 20 years we were not able to celebrate promotion in front of supporters. We can pretty close last season but right now we have a great chance.

Ifw e keep going in this way we have a good chance. If we are favourites or not, doesn't impact the way I approach things.

We try to develop [our players]. We don't buy success. We are in a good position.

Mood in squad

It's important in my role not to be too soft. They are not robots but human beings. Of course we sense the mood. But not one player knocked on my door that he wants to leave.

We had conversations with loan players which is normally a good sign. I think the players feel that trust and backing. Hoepfully one day we can be club legends and get promoted to the Premier League. I know we can write a little bit of history.

On the subs? Well the decisions we make is always for the beneift of the club. We don;t give gifts away to keep everyone happy.

We have a great team spirit and togetherness. We don;t do this by just being nice and gentle - they are pro footballers and are sued to playing in an competitive environment.

If you deliver performances... and play well, make the right decisions and go through the door to make performances. If not, then maybe you won't play the next game.

Managing the squad and Struijk

With this group it is pretty easy to manage and they know days like this don't always come too often.

Of course my player expect to win (vs Coventry) but they know they have to be switched on in the details. In this team, they are quite focused anyway.

Pascal ready to start? We will see - I think the 15 minutes were important for him. Pascal is a key player for us. But I have to keep in mind he has been out for three weeks, so it's about the right moment to bring him back.

As I say, unchanged tonight. But Byram for Firpo would be a defensive therefore negative move.

Cjay wrote: ↑Tue Feb 04, 2025 2:35 pm https://www.skybluestalk.co.uk/threads/ ... ko.166286/

The whole spectrum of comments from them about tonight's game.
Surprisingly few think they will lose.
Some say would take a draw and think it will be.
Others think they will win.

I have a feeling Struijk starts tonight with Ampadu moved into midfield.
This is DF's 'go to' away from home formation.
Very tough to leave anyone out after Cardiff though.

Struijk in and Ampadu into midfield with Rothwell dropping down to the bench (which would be unlucky after Saturday) let's keep Firpo in and get at them.

Daniel Farke's Norwich City faced Frank Lampard's Chelsea twice in the Premier League. In August 2019, Chelsea won 3-2 at Carrow Road, with Tammy Abraham scoring twice. In October 2021, Chelsea secured a 7-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.

Farke does not have a good history against Lampard... though both can boast 7-0 victories

Probably our toughest away day of the season so far, so I have no worries if we adopt a more conservative approach.

We will have to combat a very well drilled midfield setup.

Of course this is their Cup final and also Fwanks big chance to get himself back into the limelight

Should be a fun watch.