West Bromwich Albion v Leeds Utd Match Thread

[Ellandback1]

Leeds Utd v West Bromwich Albion
Saturday 17th August 12:30pm | The Hawthorns


Leeds take to the road for the first time this season for a Saturday lunchtime kick-off at the Hawthorns. After a tough start to their 2024-2025 campaign, fans are eager to see the team regain last season's form. Recent matches against Portsmouth and Middlesbrough have highlighted weaknesses in Daniel Farke's squad, emphasizing the desperate need for new recruits. Daniel Farke is likely to keep faith with the same starting XI that drew against Portsmouth (minus Rutter). Austrian International Max Wober is (apparently) nursing a calf injury, and will not travel (not to West Brom anyway).

Saturday's display was encouraging; if Leeds can cut out individual errors, and be a little more clinical in the final third; they should be able to get something from the game. If they fail to do so, both Farke and his squad are likely to start feeling the pressure! Carlos Corberan's side was one of only a few outfits not to lose to the Whites last season, picking up four out of a possible six points. The history between the clubs suggests a competitive fixture ahead. The baggies hold the edge over their West Yorkshire counterparts five wins to four, and three draws, from their last twelve meetings.





Spreaking to the press ahead of the game, Farke reflectd on a challenging week for the club, particularly with the likely departure of Georginio Rutter. Farke acknowledged that the timing of the news, which broke during the team's preparations, has been difficult for everyone involved. The situation is a consequence of past decisions, including contracts and clauses that were beyond the control of the current management. Despite their best efforts to retain Rutter, the reality of the release clause has left Leeds with little choice. Farke was candid about the impact this will have on the squad, emphasizing the need to rebuild and strengthen in several positions to remain competitive.

Farke also touched on the broader challenges Leeds faces, particularly the legacy of financial decisions made before his arrival. While the club has made strides in aligning with financial fair play rules, the departure of key players like Rutter, Summerville and Gray highlights the uphill battle ahead. Farke reassured fans of the club’s ambition and the commitment of the current ownership to restore Leeds to its former glory. However, he was clear that the process would require patience and hard work. As Leeds look to bring in new talent, Farke remains cautiously optimistic, focusing on the immediate task of preparing his team for the West Brom clash, even amidst the off-pitch distractions.

[1964white]

Forward

[The Subhuman]

Meslier
Bogle
Firpo
Ampadu
Rodon
Struijk
James
Gruev
Joseph
Piroe
Gnonto

Darlow
Byram
Rothwell
Aaronson
Bamford
Gelhardt
Chambers
Crew
Debayo

[Kennyb41]

The line up here is gonna be interesting, i doubt it, but he could swap a few things : Darlow, Piroe, Aaronson, Rothwell, i think we'll see 2 in Aaronson and Rothwell starting, but that could be Piroe and Gruev, where will Rutter be ?

Les Mes
Bogle - Rodon - Pascal - Firpo
--------Ampadu
-----------------Rothwell
James - Aaronson - Gnonto
-----------Joseph

He could play Byram at LB and it should be strong enough, or even start sicknote.

Introducing Gruev, Piroe, Byram, PB, Joffy at any given should be strong enough to win this.

[Sean_Nile]

Willy is desolate and alone in the flat moping for the loss of Cry and Geo, and hoping against hope that Everton will come calling.

Joe feels betrayed by Spurs and feels he is nothing more than a make weight.

Bogle is terrified of making a defensive mistake cos the fans are already on his back.

Brendan is thinking he will say he has pulled a muscle like Max, and they can skip off to Germany together.

Rothwell thinks I was promised so much, now it looks like i have shook hands with a pile of doodoo.

Joseph thinks why is Bamford playing again before me, and Bamford is thinking why is Farke playing me when I'm not fit.

Joel is wondering where will I be playing out of position today.

Spider boy who has tried to beef up thinks, does my bum look big in these shorts.

Dan is contemplating how fast and how far he should run today.

Firpo oils his moustache in preparation for the game.

Pascal preens in the mirror and exams his operation scar.

Ethan and Gruev exchange hair dressing tips and consider if go faster stripes will improve their game.

Farke wipes some mysterious brown stuff off his nose.

[Jaydog]

Willy is desolate and alone in the flat moping for the loss of Cry and Geo, and hoping against hope that Everton will come calling.

Joe feels betrayed by Spurs and feels he is nothing more than a make weight.

Bogle is terrified of making a defensive mistake cos the fans are already on his back.

Brendan is thinking he will say he has pulled a muscle like Max, and they can skip off to Germany together.

Rothwell thinks I was promised so much, now it looks like i have shook hands with a pile of doodoo.

Joseph thinks why is Bamford playing again before me, and Bamford is thinking why is Farke playing me when I'm not fit.

Joel is wondering where will I be playing out of position today.

Spider boy who has tried to beef up thinks, does my bum look big in these shorts.

Dan is contemplating how fast and how far he should run today.

Firpo oils his moustache in preparation for the game.

Pascal preens in the mirror and exams his operation scar.

Ethan and Gruev exchange hair dressing tips and consider if go faster stripes will improve their game.

Farke wipes some mysterious brown stuff off his nose.

Very good Sean.
I like the imagery of Firpo. I think he definitely spends time in front of the mirror.

[Tyzy]

It's helpful to lighten the mood before a good thrashing

[Sean_Nile]

Very good Sean.
I like the imagery of Firpo. I think he definitely spends time in front of the mirror.

We can all imagine how the players are feeling and how it will effect their game.

I guess I am just projecting my own morbid feelings, if the recent turn of events can effect my emotions it is not beyond the realms of possibility that the players are bound to feel the same way, it would be false to assume that they are immune.

[DDB220]

This is where leadership on the pitch is important. Personally, we could have done with Cooper at the club, but Amps should be all over it.

If we can somehow get a result against the baggies, and I do not underestimate the difficulty of doing so, it may provide much needed impetus. We are in dire need of a positive right now - this is the best way of changing the narrative.

As usual first goal will likely be critical for us. We struggle against the counter with the lack of pace at the back. So when we have that obligatory early chance, whoever it falls to needs to make it count.

[Prisoner37]

I wasn't expecting to have a 'must win' game so early in the season

[andrewjohnsmith]

Wober will miss the trip nursing a calf injury .... Summerville before the Valencia game?

[andrewjohnsmith]

Meslier
Bogle
Firpo
Ampadu
Rodon
Struijk
James
Gruev
Joseph
Piroe
Gnonto

Darlow
Byram
Rothwell
Aaronson
Bamford
Gelhardt
Chambers
Crew
Debayo

Side pretty much picks itself. As do the subs. I suppose Aaronson would be the only other consideration to replace Rutter.

[andrewjohnsmith]

This is where leadership on the pitch is important. Personally, we could have done with Cooper at the club, but Amps should be all over it.

If we can somehow get a result against the baggies, and I do not underestimate the difficulty of doing so, it may provide much needed impetus. We are in dire need of a positive right now - this is the best way of changing the narrative.

As usual first goal will likely be critical for us. We struggle against the counter with the lack of pace at the back. So when we have that obligatory early chance, whoever it falls to needs to make it count.

I almost always try to be positive, despite my post Boro gloom.

Cooper was here when the club imploded and got relegated. Hope you're right about Amps. And we still have the Welsh core. Although Rodon may not be the leader I thought he was. Especially given he wasn't part of Farke's 3 man leadership.

I just hope there's no more unrest in the dressing room. We can pick ourselves up again. But we don't know if there are internal rumblings about escape clauses or players leaving and lack of adequate rreplacements

Certainly hope all is well, the rally begins, and new signings arrive. Soon.

[The Subhuman]

Side pretty much picks itself. As do the subs. I suppose Aaronson would be the only other consideration to replace Rutter.

Record signing v Championship record signing….loser on bench unless Farke gets creative and Aaronson plays the 8, Piroe the 10

[Kennyb41]

I wasn't expecting to have a 'must win' game so early in the season

I must admit, it is a bit like that innit feels weird.

But - Now i feel we slapped Pompey, and should've pissed it, but it was a wakeup call defensively, albeit with a 'worldie' strike.

So get on the training ground, and bellow some orders into them, he tried for the first time 3 in Rodon - Amps - Pascal for large periods of the game dictated by the scoreline, Rodon looked wayward in a bit of no mans land after Bogle had deserted him up front - Answer = Work on it, along with Pascal and the wandering pillock.

Forget the Boro game, too many changes and 'stuff' gone totally wrong, also Boro look a pretty organised unit (don't take owt away from them) they'll be in the top 6. For the large part we bossed it, till it went titz up.

But still, there's a lot to open DF's eyes defensively alone, like DF has said, he had no sleep thinking about it.
Now i wanna see what he's done abart it, because it didn't just start with the defence, so let's see what he's done in training.

I'm not too sure i'd be starting this one with the raw Joseph if Rutter isn't playing, he needs some experience up top with PB if he's altering the 3 behind, especially if Piroe is in, instead of Aaronson.

Start Bambi IF fit, bring on Joseph after 60mins.

[whiteinfrance]

We should get some indication of how the players have been affected by this weeks events.

If they come out and put on a good show I will be happy. I think a draw would be an excellent result at their's.

If we come out with heads down we are in big trouble.

[Jaydog]

Thank christ its on Sky and not one of those pissy streams

[andrewjohnsmith]

Record signing v Championship record signing….loser on bench unless Farke gets creative and Aaronson plays the 8, Piroe the 10

Almost certain Joseph will play

[Jimang]

I would start with Aaronson as the 10 and definately Joseph up front, he is young quick and hungry. Have PB on the bench but i think he has lost his pace and confidence for a while now.

[mentalcase]