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Leeds United (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Bogle, Ampadu, Rodon, Byram; Gruev, Tanaka; James, Aaronson, Solomon; Piroe. Subs: Darlow, Schmidt, Firpo, Wöber, Rothwell, Guilavogui, Ramazani, Gnont, Joseph.
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Pre-match, it’s the job of the MBMer to amp up the situation. Generally speaking, this an easy activity, given one of the reasons football keeps us coming back is the prospect that, with no warning, we might see something brilliant, hilarious or disgraceful.
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But sometimes there’s a game of such obvious import and interest that is does all the work by itself, and Burnley v Leeds is one such.
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The home side, third in the league, are in pretty decent form, having walloped Plymouth 5-0 in midweek and won six of their last 10 games, while the visitors – three points ahead – and one ahead of Sheffield United with a game in hand – have won seven. They, along with Sunderland – four points off the lead in fourth – are well clear of the pack, automatic promotion likely to go to two of the four.
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Tonight’s match-up is also fascinating because it features the division’s best attack – Leeds’ 53 goals is five more than Norwich – against its best defence – Burnley’s nine conceded is 10 fewer than tonight’s opponents. And if to all that you add a night game under the lights along with some of the best individuals outside the Premier League, you have a tantalising prospect primed to elevate our evening.
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Kick-off: 8pm GMT
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main events
So where is the game? I think Burnley will absorb the pressure and then look for a counterattack, sealing off the space at the back and cluttering up the middle of the pitch, forcing Leeds into evasion. That makes Daniel James a key player, but he'll need help from Jayden Bogle behind him, and I expect the in-form Manor Solomon to dart around for the pocket.
The more I think about it, the more I like Leeds, even though Burnley are unbeaten at home this season. Seven games without a goal is very impressive, but none of them had the attacking or bench options to match tonight's opponents.
The last time Burnley conceded was That was 9 hours and 10 minutes ago on December 21st at Watford. But they may be feeling the pressure to push their players forward in search of a win tonight.
Parker tells Skye Last time they played, his team won thanks to the opponent's resilience, but he hopes to see a little more quality this time.
Meanwhile, Farke explained that Gruev was back because, while he was fit for an important game, Rothwell had also been forced to play a lot in his absence.
I'm really looking forward to meeting Aoi Tanaka. I haven't watched much of Leeds this season, but I've liked what I've seen of him so far and have definitely heard from fellow Leeds supporters that he was their best player.
Please email me! “So you drew the long straw?” asks Jeremy Boyce. “As you suggested, this is a delicious match. Top scorer vs. top defender. A group of 4 class teams will have a match for first and third place. 2 of them The team will be going through the play-off nightmare, but we've all had that experience. Is the top of the Championship better than the bottom of the Prem? We'll find out tonight at Burnley. A four-goal victory is needed to take the lead. It's necessary, but I think a 1-0 win with Scott Parker in regulation would be enough. Leeds will need to use all of their 66% of possession to break through the Clarets defence. Start?Solomon 4 minutes?You'll know right away.”
I don't see Burnley shutting out Leeds for the second time – they won 1-0 at Elland Road earlier in the season – and I don't see anyone finishing above Leeds. They have too many ways to score.
on the other hand, Leeds have weaknesses at both ends of the pitch. In net, Illan Meslier has endured a terrible period but hasn't necessarily gotten over it, while up front Joel Pirouet is not in the class of the players behind him.
Leeds will definitely ask them some different questions. The three behind the strikers in particular (James, Aaronson and Solomon) are capable of causing problems, able to carry the ball, attack space and create shots. It's a great blend and that's why talented players like Willy Gnont and Raji Ramazani are on the bench.
There were signs midweek that Burnley would do that, but They have the best defensive record in the country and are aiming for more expansive play. It may simply be because they were playing against Plymouth who are bottom of the table, but they may feel they need more goals to secure one of the two automatic promotion spots.
And Daniel Falke as well. Guluev, who had returned from injury, was substituted for Rothwell in midfield.
Scott E. Parker made one change to the side that beat Plymouth; Humphries will replace Pires at left-back.
I'm going to buy a car for my wife and write down these teams, Then think about what they mean.
Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu says his players are excited. There are two teams looking to win this match, and both teams are doing well.
More news as soon as we know it.
team!
Burnley (4-2-3-1): Trafford; Roberts, Egan Reilly, Esteve, Humphries. Karen, Laurent. Anthony, Brownhill, Foster. Fleming. Sub: Worrall, Sarmiento, Rodriguez, Egan, Pires, Mabry, Correosho, Hradky, Burns.
Leeds United (4-2-3-1): Meslier. Bogle, Ampadu, Rodon, Byram. Tanaka Gruev; James, Aaronson, Solomon. Piroe. Sub: Darlow, Schmidt, Firpo, Weber, Rothwell, Giravogi, Ramazani, Gounon, Joseph.
preamble
Before the game, it's the MBMer's job to liven up the situation. Generally speaking, this is an easy activity. One of the reasons soccer brings us back is the prospect that without warning, we might see something great, hilarious, or embarrassing.
But sometimes there are clearly important and interesting matches that do all the work on their own, and Burnley vs Leeds is one of them.
The home side, who are third in the league, are in pretty good form, having beaten Plymouth 5-0 in midweek and have won six of their last 10 games, while the visitors have a three-point lead and are one game behind Sheffield United. They are leading by 1 point. Hand – 7 wins. They have a wide lead with Sunderland in fourth place, four points behind them, with automatic promotion likely to be awarded to two of the four teams.
Tonight's fixture is also fascinating as it features the best attack in the division – Leeds' 53 goals are five more than Norwich – and against the best defence, Burnley's nine goals conceded are 10 more than tonight's opponents. Conceded few points. Add to that a night game under the lights against some of the best players outside of the Premier League, and you have an attractive prospect to add to our evenings.
Kickoff: 8pm GMT
