Marching On Together

Friday 18th April 8:00pm | Kassam Stadium


Leeds United travel to the Kassam Stadium on Good Friday knowing that a win could be a major step toward securing automatic promotion — particularly with Sheffield United and Burnley playing each other later in the weekend. Victory over Oxford United would not only keep Leeds top of the Championship table, but also open the door to clinching promotion as early as Easter Monday, depending on other results. It’s a high-stakes weekend, and Daniel Farke’s men will be keen to maintain the control they regained with back-to-back wins over Preston and Middlesbrough.

Oxford United, however, pose a greater challenge than their 17th place standing might suggest. Since Gary Rowett took over — just a day before the reverse fixture in December — the U’s have picked up the 4th best home record in the league, including recent wins over Watford and Sheffield United. Rowett’s sides are known for being compact, physical, and direct, and Farke himself admitted he has struggled to beat Rowett-coached teams in the past. Oxford are a classic banana-skin fixture: inconsistent, yet capable of big results, especially at home.

Tactically, Leeds will need to be wary of Oxford’s direct style. Rowett’s side are content to cede possession, defend deep in a 4-2-3-1 shape, and spring forward with pace. Long throws are a particular weapon — a key feature Farke highlighted in his pre-match briefing. “They try to create chaos with sending centre-backs up front,” he said, stressing the importance of staying switched on in second phases. Players like Cameron Brannagan in midfield and full-back Gregory Leigh — an unlikely goal threat — could pose challenges, while goalkeeper Jamie Cumming has been one of the division’s standout shot-stoppers.





In terms of team news, Leeds are without Joe Rothwell for the Easter weekend, while Dan James is a major doubt for the Oxford game but is likely to return by Monday. Pascal Struijk is out for the season with a foot injury, meaning Ampadu is again expected to partner Joe Rodon in defence. That opens up midfield possibilities — perhaps a return for Wöber in to push Ampadu forward. Farke may also be tempted to rotate in the final third, with Wilfried Gnonto, Isaac Schmidt, and Largie Ramazani all pushing for starts.

Selection decisions may also hinge on form and fitness. Joel Piroe continues to divide opinion, having offered more in build-up play of late but without the finishing touch. Patrick Bamford or Mateo Joseph could be alternatives if Farke opts for a different look up top. Schmidt’s versatility and attitude have impressed his manager, but Junior Firpo’s form may keep the full-back pairing of him and Bogle intact — though Sam Byram offers a solid alternative if Leeds decide to go more conservative on the road. “We have to be switched on,” Farke said. “One second can change everything.”

Whatever the line-up, Leeds will need to combine focus with fire — a mantra Farke is trying to instil in his squad. “Just being calm is not enough,” he said. “The fire has to burn.” With a chance to stay top and take a major leap toward the Premier League, Leeds know there’s no room for error. But this is a team that looks mentally ready, with momentum, belief, and unity growing week by week. Friday at the Kassam won’t be easy — but win, and promotion edges ever closer.



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Unchanged line up

Seeing how Oxford will low block I would bring in Wee Willy and bench Aaronson.

The rest as they were last week.

Irish Ian wrote: ↑Thu Apr 17, 2025 2:00 pm Seeing how Oxford will low block I would bring in Wee Willy and bench Aaronson.

The rest as they were last week.

I would actually go 4/4/2 and have Piroe and Bamford upfront.

--------------------Darlow--------------------
Bogle-----Rodon-----Amps-----Firpo
Gnonto---Tanaka---Gruev---Solomon
-------------Piroe------Bamford------------

Irish Ian wrote: ↑Thu Apr 17, 2025 2:00 pm Seeing how Oxford will low block I would bring in Wee Willy and bench Aaronson.

The rest as they were last week.

They could be playing a high block or a something in between block and you'd still want to bench Aaronson.

Same as last time all around for me.

John in Louisiana wrote: ↑Thu Apr 17, 2025 5:45 pm They could be playing a high block or a something in between block and you'd still want to bench Aaronson.

Same as last time all around for me.

I was thinking that as I typed John

Ellandback1 wrote: ↑Thu Apr 17, 2025 4:47 pm I would actually go 4/4/2 and have Piroe and Bamford upfront.

--------------------Darlow--------------------
Bogle-----Rodon-----Amps-----Firpo
Gnonto---Tanaka---Gruev---Solomon
-------------Piroe------Bamford------------

Bamford not ready to start.

He will build up his minutes and be ready for full 90 by June .

Irish Ian wrote: ↑Thu Apr 17, 2025 2:00 pm Seeing how Oxford will low block I would bring in Wee Willy and bench Aaronson.

The rest as they were last week.

Gnonto started last week so if you're replacing Aaronson with him then you're a RW short

Darlow
Bogle
Firpo
Gruev
Rodon
Ampadu
Gnonto
Tanaka
Piroe
Aaronson
Solomon

there's not much else Farke can do really this time of the season and considering we have James and Struijk out. Not that we don't have good replacements, we do.

The nerves have started already, big day ahead of what is surely going to be a make or break weekend for many clubs - I hope to be going to bed tonight with a healthy 7 or 8 point gap to third.

WhiteRose wrote: ↑Fri Apr 18, 2025 8:24 am The nerves have started already, big day ahead of what is surely going to be a make or break weekend for many clubs - I hope to be going to bed tonight with a healthy 7 or 8 point gap to third.

Im the same, I was looking forward to this day all week and now that it has arrived I am boaking.

Oxford away ( and Plymouth too) are massive banana skins awaiting being stepped on and we are pretty good at doing that.

Wigan at home in 2019 hangs over this fixture..

Perhaps Blunts can do us another favour ahead of our KP time

Irish Ian wrote: ↑Fri Apr 18, 2025 10:15 am Im the same, I was looking forward to this day all week and now that it has arrived I am boaking.

Oxford away ( and Plymouth too) are massive banana skins awaiting being stepped on and we are pretty good at doing that.

Wigan at home in 2019 hangs over this fixture..

Perhaps Blunts can do us another favour ahead of our KP time

Scottish/Northern Ireland slang

The dry boak is what happens when you just retch and nothing comes up because your stomach has been emptied.

Looking forward to the match tonight and it's really nice to have that buffer of 5 points back. Means we can lose one of this weekend's games as long as we win the other one.

Up to this point Oxford United have only taken one scalp from the top six clubs in the championship. They beat Sheffield United 1-0.

They have been beaten by Leeds Burnley Sunderland and Coventry, and have drawn with West Bromwich Albion.

End of story.

Stan Mills Danny Mills son?

Sean_Nile wrote: ↑Fri Apr 18, 2025 11:41 am Stan Mills Danny Mills son?

Why the question mark?

Fear Nothing we are to classy for these University Chappies 3-0 Piro 2. Gonto 1.
(Should be Ruggger )

Saw a Great Programme on T.V. last night. "Mystery Prize" It had Ten contestants and got down to Two. One answered wrong and that left just the one.
The Host brought him forward and "Well Son you have one more question to answer, get it right and you win our Star Prize. Just tell me about yourself old Son"
Well I'm 26,married and live happily in Leeds. The Host ( Puffy and Greasy) asks "Leeds is That in Ireland" NO (stupid cu*t) Right Son I like your white blouse" Th young Lad says"It's my Leeds United supporters shirt ( You really are a stupid Cu*t under his breath)

Well Son here your is you chance to take away our Mystery Prize, Amanda what is our Mystery Prize tonight" Out comes Amanda with a very large pair of Tits even Meslier
could not drop. Tears open the envelope. "Tonights Star Prize is Two Season Tickets for Sheffield United next Season." Host comes down onto the Stage.
"Well Son just one more question to get right and we are home. Seeing you have done so well answering questions I intend to make your next one very easy."
You must answer clearly and correctly So here it comes
If you add 2 and 2 what do you get total. Remember Sheffield United Season Tickets are the Prize
The Leeds lad says clearly and correctly 2 and 2 added together make 71.

Watford 1 Burnley 0

Same team

James on the bench

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