And so we begin again. Six matches for Garry Monk and the 100% Cellino-owned Leeds United in September, and the first is at home today against Huddersfield Town. The animosity between the Terriers and Whites flows mostly one-way, from Uddersfield, but it’s going to be testy at Elland Road should August’s champions take it to Leeds today in the West Yorkshire Derby.
The biggest Leeds storyline is probably around our captaincy, as Sol Bamba terminated his contract and Liam Bridcutt was elected to take the role. Sol has a great interview in today’s YEP, and we’re not above promoting other outlets great material, so check that out before today’s match.
Interview with former #lufc captain Sol Bamba: "I spoke out because if I didn't, who would?"https://t.co/aB8tDLKuhk pic.twitter.com/qhzuLAm2Qq
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) September 9, 2016
Will Bridcutt and his boys be able to stop the Terriers? Will Eunan O’Kane make the 18 in his first chance? Will Jansson and Bartley be the new centreback pairing or will Cooper retain his spot? We’ll find out soon enough. Looking forward to this one, it’s been too long since that disgusting defeat at Forest.
WHAT
Leeds United v Huddersfield Town
EFL Championship Fixture
WHERE
Elland Road Stadium, Leeds
LUTV, BBC Radio Leeds
WHEN
Saturday, September 10, 2016
7:00am PT / 10:00am ET / 3:00pm BT
WHO
Leeds United's lineup
Green, Taylor, Jansson, Bartley, Ayling, Bridcutt, Phillips, Mowatt, Sacko, Antonsson, Wood
Subs: Silvestri, Cooper, Vieira, Hernandez, Roofe, Doukara
Huddersfield Town's lineup
Ward, Smith, Hudson, Schindler, Hogg, Mooy, Bunn, Lowe, Payne, Kachunga, van La Parra
Subs: Coleman, Whitehead, Cranie, Wells, Stankovic, Hefele, Palmer
ODDS
Leeds 8/5
Draw 23/10
Huddersfield 17/10
PREDICTION
Johnny Wakefield: 1-1. Huddersfield is top notch at the moment, and have the advantage of playing together as a squad for some time under manager of the month David Wagner. I think they play better than us, but I can’t predict a loss at Elland Road.
Anthony Linley: A tough one to call. Huddersfield will not want to come away with their first defeat of the season and lose top spot to Leeds, whilst United are still settling into its new line up. Draw 2-2.
Matt Robinson: 2-1 to Leeds. I don't care where they are in the table. Huddersfield will always be rubbish. We will want the win this match more than them and that desire will go a long way. Monks has had two solid weeks to iron out the creases in this side and I think we'll see today what he's all about. Plus there in my accumulator so Leeds better not muck it up!
Ben Mallis: 2-1 Leeds. Led by my main man, Aaron Mooy, Huddersfield has been mighty impressive to start the season and will be a difficult assignment for United. But I think the international break will prove beneficial for Monk, and I have a feeling we are about to witness the best performance of the young season. Here's hoping....
Jack Dudley: 3-0 Leeds. The GFH episode has now finally concluded, and with the off field issues looking up, I think it will transfer to the lads. Naming Bridcutt as captain will give him the impetus to go on and turn the midfield into our domain. Antonsson will carry on after being named player of the month and I reckon he'll bag a brace.
And here’s how you’re feeling...
Uddersfield comes to @EllandRoad today, how are you feeling about #LUFC's chances? #MOT
— Through It All #LUFC (@ThruItAllLUFC) September 10, 2016