This Saturday sees struggling Bristol City visit Elland Road as United tackle their second home game in as many weekends. Leeds got back to winning ways last time out against Crystal Palace but many fans were unhappy with the manner of the performance. Although every side has bad days like that, Grayson will want to see an improvement in his men this week with the same outcome of three points. Leeds did the double over Bristol City last season but other than that there have not been many league meetings between the two sides in recent years. The Whites were 1-0 down to City last season at Elland Road before Luciano Becchio stepped off the bench to fire a second half hat trick past former England number one goalkeeper David James.
Team News:
Aidy White is back in contention after he served his one match suspension during last weeks win against Palace, the youngster is likely to come back into the side at Charlie Taylor's expense. Alternatively White could replace Ramon Nunez on the left wing after his petulant showing last weekend, however, that is unlikely.
Midfield Maestro Adam Clayton could return from injury, though it is unlikely he will be rushed back with another two games to play in less than a week. New signing Mika Vavrynen will be involved in the squad after the Finnish International penned a deal until the end of the season on Tuesday. Whether or not he is ready to dislodge Michael Brown in the starting line up remains to be seen.
Boss Simon Grayson also has a selection headache up front, with goal scoring hero Luciano Becchio returning to fitness and new signing Mikael Forssell both vying for a starting place in the side. Ross McCormack is guaranteed to keep his place in the side you would of thought following some good performances so far this season but Grayson must decide whether to stick with Andy Keogh, who has been a good partner for McCormack, or change it around. Becchio is likely to remain on the bench as he continues to build up his fitness however Grayson could hand a first Leeds start to Forssell.
Neil Kilkenny will be back at Elland Road this weekend for the first time since he turned down the offer of a new contract at the end of last season. However, City will be without defenders Liam Fontaine and Jamie McAllister as they both struggle with ankle injuries. Other than that Bristol City boss Keith Millen has a full squad to choose from for his visit to West Yorkshire.
One to watch:
This weeks one to watch is obvious and its Bristol City's front man Nicky Maynard. After signing from Crewe for a club record fee of £2.25 million he has bagged 41 goals for the club in just over 100 appearances and despite missing most of last season through injury, he still managed 6 goals in just 11 games. Maynard has 3 goals to his name already this season and if United are to have any chance of achieving their first clean sheet of the season then this is the man who needs to be tightly marked.
My prediction:
I was chuffed to bits with the result last week. Yes, we were poor but in some ways it wiped away the injustice at Ipswich some two weeks earlier. This time out I think we will get the performance and the result. I'm also looking forward to seeing what our new Finnish midfielder can do, no doubt he will get a cameo from the bench (at least). I'm going to say 3-1 Leeds with goals from McCormack, Snodgrass and Becchio from the bench.
Last six meetings:
12th February 2011 - Bristol City 0-2 Leeds United
13th November 2010 - Leeds United 3-1 Bristol City
30th September 1997 - Brisol City 2-1 Leeds United (League cup - Leeds win 4-3 on aggregate)
17th September 1997 - Leeds United 3-1 Bristol City (League cup)
3rd November 1979 - Leeds United 1-3 Bristol City
18th August 1979 - Bristol City 2-2 Leeds United
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