West Brom v Leeds Utd Match Thread - Nketiah starts, Bamford returns to bench

[SG90]

So what are we thinking for Monday? Rest a few players or play our best team to go for the upset? I can see Arsenal playing their best team as Arteta will already be under pressure.

[HarryofOz]

I dont know if the early goal meant they sat back to defend the lead? But yes, we did put them under a fair amount of pressure, but they allowed us to. Teams have been in our faces recently and we've struggled to get into games, West Brom weren't at all.

Maybe

It's one of those chicken or egg issues. Did they allow us to, or did we force it upon them? Six of one and half a dozen of he other.

It's cliche time from me ;)

Also West Brom have only won one of their last six (including today), so let's say they had won only one of their last five. Makes their players and coach a bit nervous, especially at home in such a big game.

[HarryofOz]

So what are we thinking for Monday? Rest a few players or play our best team to go for the upset? I can see Arsenal playing their best team as Arteta will already be under pressure.

I still think they will field a second string team. And I reckon Bielsa will give plenty of time to some of the youngsters who have played bit part rolls this season.

[SG90]

Even when they beat us 4-1 last year, they sat back and hit us on the counter attack. But they don't have Harvey Barnes anymore, who for me, was the best player in the league before he was recalled.

[YorkshireSquare]

So what are we thinking for Monday? Rest a few players or play our best team to go for the upset? I can see Arsenal playing their best team as Arteta will already be under pressure.

They have a tough one against Man Utd today (Arsenal currently 1-0 up) and a must win against Palace on Saturday so they may have an eye on that fixture too. They will undoubtedly have more strength in depth than us though.

With the current injuries and Jack and Eddie gone we are down to around 13 first team players anyway. Is it worth risking Roberts?

[BGwhite]

Played well today despite the dodgy start and we'll worthy of a point although Kiko made a few superb saves to keep us in it. Why didn't PB square it to Klich ? Unfortunately Eddie just doesn't suit a game where the opposition sit deep to counter his pace and our game is not about long balls up front but he'll be a good acquisition for another club I've no doubt.
We need another striker in asap as we need to rest PB before Wendies game.
The lads should take a lot of credit for their performance today particularly after the Brum game which should give them a major boost before seeing off the Wendies. Well done lads , you can do it !!

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[SG90]

I still think they will field a second string team. And I reckon Bielsa will give plenty of time to some of the youngsters who have played bit part rolls this season.

I'd give Meslier, Douglas, Shackleton and Roberts a run out. Rest Harrison, Klich, Bamford and Kiko.

[HarryofOz]

I'd give Meslier, Douglas, Shackleton and Roberts a run out. Rest Harrison, Klich, Bamford and Kiko.

That's probably what will happen. Maybe Davis at left back and Douglas in the midfield.

[Cjay]

So what are we thinking for Monday? Rest a few players or play our best team to go for the upset? I can see Arsenal playing their best team as Arteta will already be under pressure.

Got to be the kids, league is the priority and our squad is paper thin.

Meslier, Bera, Struijk, Casey, Davis.

McCalmont

Stevens, Shacks, Bogusz, Anybody.

Edmondson/Kun.

[weasel]

So what are we thinking for Monday? Rest a few players or play our best team to go for the upset? I can see Arsenal playing their best team as Arteta will already be under pressure.

Wouldn't expect us to put out too weak a side. The first team players wouldn't want to miss out on playing at Highbury, not like we are playing away to a lower league side. The Christmas and New Years fixtures don't seem to be as hectic this year working out just the same as the usual championship grind of a game at the weekend and one midweek no silliness like 2 games in 3 days. Possibly see Douglas starting and obviously Bamford returning but maybe that will be the only changes.

[SG90]

We shouldn't be using injured players coming back as an example of our strength in depth for the rest of the season, especially players like Douglas, Pablo, Roberts and Forshaw who are constantly injured. We really need 2/3 in in January, no excuses.

[SG90]

Isn't Davis injured? Or is he back now?

[BGwhite]

Really don't need to be playing PB either. It's clear now that he's a vital part of the Leeds machine so it makes no sense in playing him in a meaningless cup game.

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[SG90]

What's happening with O'Kane? Is he still injured? Could be a useful squad player and Bielsa would be able to improve him.

[YorkshireSquare]

What's happening with O'Kane? Is he still injured? Could be a useful squad player and Bielsa would be able to improve him.

As far as I know the break has healed and he's spent the last 6 months training away from the squad, regaining his fitness. He wasn't in Bielsa's plans before the break, I doubt he will be now.

[SG90]

As far as I know the break has healed and he's spent the last 6 months training away from the squad, regaining his fitness. He wasn't in Bielsa's plans before the break, I doubt he will be now.

Seems a bit silly to shun him away given how much our players have improved under Bielsa. Especially as we're still paying his wages.

[Chilli D]

Got to be the kids, league is the priority and our squad is paper thin.

Meslier, Bera, Struijk, Casey, Davis.

McCalmont

Stevens, Shacks, Bogusz, Anybody.

Edmondson/Kun.

Surely Robbie Gotts will get a game as a reward for being on the bench all season and not getting a game?

[Chilli D]

Wouldn't expect us to put out too weak a side. The first team players wouldn't want to miss out on playing at Highbury, not like we are playing away to a lower league side. The Christmas and New Years fixtures don't seem to be as hectic this year working out just the same as the usual championship grind of a game at the weekend and one midweek no silliness like 2 games in 3 days. Possibly see Douglas starting and obviously Bamford returning but maybe that will be the only changes.

Or the Emirates....

[John in Louisiana]

I will be extremely disappointed if we roll out our first team for the Cup game.

Nothing matters but promotion, and we will never have a better opportunity for that than we have right now. If we go up, the first teamers will have plenty of opportunities to play in that stadium.

[gessa]

Bamford has a much different look about him than he did 6 weeks ago, now he looks confident, looks as though he wants the ball and wants to be involved in everything, pretty much the complete opposite as before.