United are back at LS11 this weekend for the first time since August 16th as Crystal Palace come to town. After missing out to Ipswich in a frustrating manner last time out, the International break came at precisely the wrong time for the Whites and Simon Grayson's men will be itching to get back on the field and get another 3 points on the board. Leeds have a fairly decent record against Crystal Palace over the years, a game to remember was the League cup encounter in which Gary McAllister's League One outfit demolished Neil Warnock's Championship side at the time 4-0 at Elland Road.
Team News:
Leeds are without youngster Aidy White as he serves his one-match suspension after being given an early bath against Ipswich. Andy O'Brien is the likely man to come in with Darren O'Dea switching to left back. Simon Grayson must make one more change to his side following the depature of Max Gradel to St Etienne. Honduran International Ramon Nunez is the obvious replacement after his early season goal scoring exploits.
Meanwhile Davide Somma has been left lonely in the treatment room as Luciano Becchio, Alex Bruce, Leigh Bromby, Michael Brown and Billy Paynter are all available for selection again following injury. However Grayson made it clear that the injured party may have to sit this one out when he told the official website 'Browny only trained Thursday for the first time and it was Luciano's first week after a long time out. Having Luci back is obviously a boost for everyone because of what he brings, but Saturday might come too early'. New signing Mikael Forssell is also available and could find himself on the bench if Grayson decides not to include Becchio.
Former Leeds loanee Dougie Freedman is without four players due to injury. Nathaniel Clyne, Steffen Iversen, Alex Marrow and Kagisho Dikgacoi are all out. Palace could however call on experienced defender Anthony Gardner after he was re-signed following a successful loan spell last season. Another new signing, Antonio Pedroza is also available after receiving international clearance following his move from Mexican side Jaguares.
One to Watch:
Darren Ambrose has become a popular figure at Selhurst Park since his move from Charlton on a free transfer in 2009. His goals arguably kept Palace up in his debut season when he scored 15 league goals including one in the winner stays up game on the final day of the season at Hillsbrough against Sheffield Wednesday. Although last season was injury hit for the former England under-21 International, he still managed to bag seven goals from midfield. The former Newcastle, Ipswich and Charlton winger will be trying to pull the strings for the London side and if he finds his form on the Elland Road turf it could be another game without a clean sheet for United.
My Prediction:
I'm looking forward to this game, International breaks are just annoying and pointless, oh and boring. If Leeds play like they have done in the last three league outings against Hull, West Ham and Ipswich then i think we will win. Palace have started well but we have been playing some good stuff, we're just not getting the breaks at the minute. Six points out of the next two home games are essential and I think we will get them, starting with a 2-0 win tomorrow over Palace.
Last six meetings:
25th April 2011 - Crystal Palace 1-0 Leeds United
4th December 2010 - Leeds United 2-1 Crystal Palace
26th August 2010 - Leeds United 4-0 Crystal Palace (League Cup)
10th February 2007 - Leeds United 2-1 Crystal Palace
13th August 2006 - Crystal Palace 1-0 Leeds United
21st Match 2006 - Leeds United 0-1 Crystal Palace
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