Through It All Together - Championship: Leeds United vs MiddlesbroughThrough It All Together, a Leeds United communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52562/tiat_fav.png2012-12-22T20:03:15+00:00http://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/rss/stream/35587132012-12-22T20:03:15+00:002012-12-22T20:03:15+00:00Leeds 2 - 1 Boro: Ratings and Stats
<figure>
<img alt="Paddy Kenny celebrates Luciano Becchio's second goal against Boro." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VTJBXHhkxEJeNwudMi4IONoDJV4=/0x20:2756x1857/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5446867/158637253.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Paddy Kenny celebrates Luciano Becchio's second goal against Boro. | Chris Brunskill</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Read our ratings of each player from today then have your say. It's simple!</p> <p>With some sides around us dropping points, today's win against the Boro is turning out to be a very good one. Since the announcement of the takeover, Leeds have gone on to pick up 15 points with just one defeat.</p>
<p>The win today was hard fought and required the players to be on top of their game. In all honesty Boro deserved a point from the game and will feel aggrieved to be going home without a point. They had their chances but at the end of the day didn't take them. </p>
<p>Here's my ratings from the game today, if you don't agree then let us know why below.</p>
<p><b>Paddy Kenny - 7 - </b>Made one or two good saves and was commanding with his punches. His kicking was vital and allowed us to counter-attack on several occasions.</p>
<p><b>Sam Byram - 9 - </b>Could literally watch him play football all day long. Brave, skillful, pacey and never stops trying. Today caused problems from both right-back and right-midfield. Can see him making it at the highest level and really hope he stays with us.</p>
<p><b>Tom Lees - 7 -</b> Looked solid and worked hard to compete against the Boro strikers. Showing he's improving under Warnock and hard to see where the impressive Pearce will fit in if Tate stays.</p>
<p><b><span>Alan Tate</span> - 7 - </b>Worked well with Lees and did well at the end to help keep the score at 2-1. Looked composed on the ball as usual and hopefully we can keep him.</p>
<p><b>Lee Peltier - 5 - </b>Still out of position at LB and wasn't helped by Thomas. But every ball was misplaced and for me has to be dropped. Don't want him to fail but it's only fair with McCormack and Pearce missing out each week.</p>
<p><b>Paul Green - 6 - </b>Looked tired and out of the game in the first half. As always ran his nuts off and played a small part in the goal.</p>
<p><b>Micheal Tonge - 7 - </b>Played a pivotal role in the final 25 minutes and worked hard. His performance was summed up by his pass to himself before throwing himself into a tackle and being covered in mud. </p>
<p><b>David Norris - 6 -</b> Will always run himself into the ground but seemed a little lost in the middle. He put in a good tackle now and again and tried to play football but didn't come off for him today.</p>
<p><b><span>Jerome Thomas</span> - 6 - </b>Never got going today but in fairness didn't get much service. Boro marked him out of the game for most of it and he looked a little moody coming off - which of course is good to see. Can't see him staying in January but would be nice.</p>
<p><b>El-Hadji Diouf - 7 -</b> Held the ball up brilliantly. Even made a few tackles which isn't the norm. Set-pieces were deadly and created the second goal.</p>
<p><b>Luciano Becchio - 9 -</b> For a lump of wood (as some fans describe him) he isn't doing too bad is he? 17 goals this season and deadly in the box. His first goal was sublime today. Keep it Luciano.</p>
<p><b>Subs:</b></p>
<p><b>Aidy White - 6 - </b>Used his pace and made some attacking runs which is must better than he did against Chelsea. </p>
<p><b>Davide Somma - 6 - </b>Looked a little rusty but did play on the wing which is not his best position. When he did have the ball he made some neat passes and tried a few tricks so clearly confident in his own ability again. Looking forward to his first goal in a long long time.</p>
<p><b>Jason Pearce - 6 - </b>Made some big headers but only featured for the final 15 minutes. Still played massive part in us holding on for three points.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Match stats</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p>
</p>
<table style="text-align: center; height: 300px;" align="center" width="600" border="2">
<caption></caption>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Goal Attempts</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">9</td>
<td>14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>On Target</b></td>
<td>7</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Corners</b></td>
<td>1</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Fouls</b></td>
<td>8</td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Yellow Cards</b></td>
<td>1</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Red Cards</b></td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Possession</b></td>
<td>52</td>
<td>48</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0" height="1777" width="760" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/embeddedform?formkey=dDMwUjk5ZmNWWDF5VFlnOFpHWmd1cHc6MQ">Loading...</iframe></p>
https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/2012/12/22/3795634/leeds-united-2-1-middlesbrough-player-ratings-and-match-statsThomas Hill2012-12-22T18:40:51+00:002012-12-22T18:40:51+00:00Leeds United 2 - 1 Middlesbrough Match Report
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ypno3dC8tP4diX9iLvmzXmc6qK0=/44x0:3955x2607/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5444625/158637312.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Chris Brunskill</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Luciano Becchio once again found the net to give a crucial three points at Elland Road.
</p> <p>Entering Elland Road today felt like going back in time. Returning to a time where a football day consisted of excitement from the moment you wake up.</p>
<p>This morning I woke up and smiled as I remembered we had a game, and it felt good too. I knew Boro were in form and could probably beat us, but there's this sense around Elland Road that now finally we're all in it together.</p>
<p><span>Neil Warnock</span> made changes after our 5-1 defeat to Chelsea, recalling <span>Alan Tate</span> for Jason Pearce and David Norris replaced Michael Brown.</p>
<p>Boro started the game with a sharpness that Leeds couldn't seem to match. Marvin Emnes and the big man Jutkiewicz were causing problems with their movement and strength but both men missed two early chances from similar positions.</p>
<p>The conditions weren't ideal and on a normal day the ball would bounce. On occasions it was sitting in the turf and the players on both sides were struggling to judge the flight of the ball.</p>
<p>Leeds' first real chance on goal came thanks to the head of Sam Byram who jumped high from a corner but could only head it to the feet of Steele in the Boro goal.</p>
<p>But it was the away side that took the lead through Jutkiewicz. The former Coventry player saw his first effort saved, but the follow up took a deflection off Alan Tate which caused Paddy Kenny to struggle to get a solid hand on it.</p>
<p>In an attempt to draw level, Byram pushed forward to help Green and Diouf and he found space on the edge of the box but his shot curled just wide of the upright.</p>
<p>With one minute remaining in the first-half, Leeds grabbed that all important equaliser. Green's tenacity to keep the ball in play was supported by Byram who swung the ball to the back post. With Boro unable to clear Becchio spun on the spot to volley the ball off the upright and into the back of the net.</p>
<p>At half-time Aidy White was introduced into the game to replaced Paul Green (illness) which saw Peltier go to right-back and Byram into the midfield. Boro continued to cause problems down the left with Jutkiewicz having two efforts which went wide of the post.</p>
<p>The game was turning into a spectacle with both sides going at it to try find that elusive winning goal. Warnock's plan was to introduce Davide Somma for the first time since May 2011 and he replaced <span>Jerome Thomas</span>. Somma's introduction gave Leeds a new route to goal but it was Becchio who stole the headlines with his 17th goal of the season. From Diouf's corner, Becchio headed it towards goal and it found the back of the net thanks to a slight deflection off Smallwood.</p>
<p>With United ahead it was all hands on deck to get the win. Pearce came on for Peltier and United had to soak up the pressure. Somma had one final chance thanks to a good counter-attack but he was out-muscled in the box and Boro continued to bombard the South Stand goal.</p>
<p>Vital clearances from Norris, Tonge and Pearce helped quell the danger and United eventually held on for a vital three points which sees them climb the table once again.</p>
https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/2012/12/22/3795496/leeds-united-2-1-middlesbrough-boro-beaten-by-becchio-braceThomas Hill2012-12-22T14:38:52+00:002012-12-22T14:38:52+00:00Official team news: Leeds United vs Middlesbrough
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CkbcVFl39e268D6JEwZ1RU8SAnY=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828261/large_throughitalltogether.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>
</p>
<table border="0" style="border: 0px solid black;" width="100%"><tbody><tr>
<td align="center" valign="center" width="25%">
<a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1034452/Leeds_United_badge_for_SB.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Leeds_united_badge_for_sb_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1034452/Leeds_United_badge_for_SB_medium.png"></a> <br id="1356177997833">
</td>
<td valign="top">
<h5><b><span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/">Leeds United</a> vs Middlesbrough</span></b></h5>
<b>Location:</b> Elland Road, Leeds.<br><b>Date: </b>22nd December 2012
<p><b>Time: </b>3pm KO GMT</p>
<p><b>Records:</b></p>
<p><b>Home: </b>WWLWL</p>
<p><span class="sbn-auto-link"><b>Away: </b>WLWLW</span></p>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="top" width="25%">
<a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1356291/210px-Middlesbrough_crest.png"><img alt="210px-middlesbrough_crest_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1356291/210px-Middlesbrough_crest_medium.png"><br></a> <br id="1356178127445"><b> </b>
</td>
</tr></tbody></table>
<table border="0" align="center" style="height: 246px; border: 0px solid black;" width="315"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<b>GK</b>: Paddy Kenny<br>
</td>
<td>
<span class="sbn-auto-link"></span><span class="sbn-auto-link"><b>GK: </b>Jason Steele</span><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<b>D: </b>Sam Byram</td>
<td>
<b>D: </b>Justin Hoyte</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<b>D:</b> Alan Tate<br>
</td>
<td>
<b>D:</b> Jonathan Woodgate<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<b>D: </b>Tom Lees</td>
<td>
<b>D:</b> Seb Hines<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<b>D:</b> Lee Peltier<br>
</td>
<td>
<b>D: </b>George Friend</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<b>M: </b>Paul Green</td>
<td>
<b>M: </b>Scott Mcdonald<b style="text-decoration: line-through;"><br></b>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<b>M:</b> Michael Tonge</td>
<td>
<b>M: </b>Josh McEachran<b style="text-decoration: line-through;"><br></b>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<b>M: </b>David Norris</td>
<td>
<b>M: </b>Grant Leadbitter<br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<b>M: </b>Jerome<b> </b>Thomas</td>
<td>
<b>M: </b>Richard Smallwood</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<b>F: </b>Luciano Becchio</td>
<td>
<b>F: </b>Lukas Jutkiewicz</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<b>F: </b>El-Hadji Diouf</td>
<td>
<b>F: </b>Marvin Emnes<b><br></b>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p></p>
https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/2012/12/22/3794734/official-team-news-leeds-united-vs-middlesbroughThomas Hill2012-12-22T10:43:20+00:002012-12-22T10:43:20+00:00Leeds United vs Middlesbrough: Betting Preview
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Bxmrm713TXprb-lxXHfrYSodYvY=/0x351:523x700/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5429577/136532236.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matthew Lewis</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>George Dempsey has scouted the best tips out there for our game against Boro at Elland Road.</p> <p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On Saturday two teams heading in two different directions after a change in fortunes meet, albeit the change in direction is only minimal as Middlesbrough visit Elland Road.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Boro recently went eight unbeaten and reached the top of the Championship table, although they've now lost three of their last six and are conceding more goals.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Leeds United</a> had a woeful spell of 7 games without registering a win but 5 games in a tight period have seen us hit an average of 2 goals a game and pick up 4 wins, a respectable 12 points.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Wins against top three sides, Crystal Palace and Leicester City were followed up by a thumping 4-2 win over local rivals Huddersfield, and a 2-0 win ending a five game unbeaten stretch for <span>Mick McCarthy</span>’s Ipswich.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Whilst Leeds still haven’t cracked that winning away formula, and perhaps still won’t until the standard of the squad reaches that of some of the higher placed sides, great strides have been made at home and most importantly Elland Road is becoming the fortress Warnock said it should be.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Despite our 5/1 price, it’s hard to argue Leeds didn't play Chelsea off the pitch for 45 minutes and even after conceding looked extremely comfortable and threatening in the second half, albeit we were un-done and the game was changed by two unfortunate goalkeeper errors after Ashdown’s stunning performance before hand.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Tomorrow Middlesbrough visit and are at a much bigger price than Chelsea, being tagged at <b>2.75</b> <b>(7/4)</b> with <b>Bwin </b>while Leeds United are favourites at <b>2.60 (8/5) </b>with <b>Stan James</b>. The draw is <b>3.30 (23/10) </b>with <b>Stan James</b> also.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The favourites tag is only a small one, but perhaps a deserved one given the change in quality of performances at Elland Road lately, and traditionally a Warnock side is hard to beat at home when they find their feet.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One of the bigger reasons Leeds have been winning games is down to the goal scoring exploits of Luciano Becchio. Albeit with a high number assists from Thomas, Diouf and Tonge in recent weeks – Becchio scores so many goals because he’s a phenomenal finisher who usually only needs one touch, as he showed against Chelsea.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Luciano has been the shortest priced player to score in every single Leeds Championship game this season. Today he is priced at <b>2.62 (13/8) </b>with <b>Paddy Power</b>. The bookmakers will tell you the biggest threat for Boro’ is McDonald, who they fancy at <b>2.80 (9/5)<br><br></b>In fact, with seven equally dangerous strikers and three tricky wingers between the two sides, 75% of bookmakers fancy ten attacking players to score at odds lower than <b>3.00 (2/1)</b> which shows how much of a goal threat is on the pitch including Becchio, McCormack, Diouf, McDonald, Emnes, Ishmael Miller and more.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It almost makes the price of <b>1.90 (10/11) </b>for <b>Over 2.5 goals </b>with <b>Betfair </b>very attractive. That’s not what I’ll be taking, however.<br><br> As well as my usual fancy in the corners market at Elland Road, I’m going to stick my neck out for an impressive performance and a market that would demand perhaps the most impressive performance we've seen from a Leeds side at Elland Road since the beginning of last season, or even earlier in our first Championship season.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After awesome performances of Premiership quality for a big part of the game, Diouf and Thomas were then rested after Chelsea’s killer goal, and <span>Alan Tate</span> also sat the game out and while a large number of first XI player’s player a full game, I think it’ll provide a desire and more confidence, with no tired legs.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Bets<br><br></u>Over 11.5 corners </b>@ <b>1.95 </b>with <b>Bet365<br><br> Leeds United -1 Asian Handicap </b>@ <b>4.33 </b>with <b>BetInternet</b></p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b> </b></p>
https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/2012/12/22/3794660/leeds-united-vs-middlesbrough-betting-previewThomas Hill2012-12-21T15:05:17+00:002012-12-21T15:05:17+00:00Leeds United v Middlesbrough: Match Preview
<figure>
<img alt="Tony Mowbray brings his Middlesbrough side to Elland Road this Saturday." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6AOCDbw8JO8AytguxAQQB49may4=/39x0:3959x2613/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5387403/154616704.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tony Mowbray brings his Middlesbrough side to Elland Road this Saturday. | Stu Forster</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Match preview ahead of Leeds United's game with Middlesbrough at Elland Road.</p> <p>It's back to the important stuff at Elland Road on Saturday as Leeds United face Middlesbrough in what will be their third game at home in a week. The Whites were hit for five by Chelsea during the week after taking a 1-0 lead into the half-time interval and Neil Warnock will be looking for his side to bounce back against Boro. This fixture last season saw three red cards and two for Leeds (Jonny Howson and Max Gradel). Both players have now left the club but Neil Warnock's side aren't red card shy and there could be more players that see red this season. United will be looking to get their new era off to a successful start following the completion of GFH'S takeover of the club.</p>
<p><b>Team News:</b></p>
<p>Alan Tate missed the game with Chelsea due to being cup-tied but the defender, on loan from Swansea, is expected to be handed his place back in the side. Jason Pearce, who replaced Tate against Chelsea, will more than likely have to put up with a place on the bench. Jamie Ashdown was between the sticks in midweek but Paddy Kenny is likely to return against Boro. </p>
<p>Davide Somma was an unused substitute against Chelsea and will be hoping to play a part on Saturday, making his long awaited return from injury. Finally, Michael Tonge will start his final game for Leeds until at least January due to the conclusion of his loan agreement from Stoke.</p>
<p>Tony Mowbray may be able to call on Rhys Williams for the first time since August. The midfield man has been missing with damaged ankle ligaments but could feature at Elland Road. However, George Friend, Andre Bikey, Faris Haroun (all hamstring), Andy Halliday (groin), Julio Arca (toe), Muzzy Carayol and Curtis Main (both knee) are all injury doubts for Middlesbrough's trip to Leeds.</p>
<p><b>One To Watch:</b></p>
<p>After scoring 50 goals in 88 League appearances for Celtic, Scott McDonald became the fifth Celtic to sign for Boro in 2010. Despite a fairly slow start to his Middlesbrough career, McDonald got into his stride during his first full season with the club, finishing the 2010/11 season as top scorer for the club with 14 goals. The Australian International has hit nine goals in all competitions this season and will be hoping to fire Middlesbrough into the automatic promotion places at Elland Road.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1355073/155005509.0.jpg"><img alt="155005509" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1355073/155005509.0_medium.jpg"></a></p>
<p><b>My United Line-up:</b></p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1355079/601241_Leeds_United.jpg"><img alt="601241_leeds_united_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1355079/601241_Leeds_United_medium.jpg"></a></p>
<p>I think Paddy Kenny, Alan Tate and David Norris will come back into the side in place of Jamie Ashdown, Jason Pearce and Michael Brown but other than that I think Neil Warnock will keep the same side.</p>
<p><b>My Prediction:</b></p>
<p>Well it's yet another tough game for Leeds against a side who are right up there with the pacesetters. Just like any other game though, United can come out this one with three points. The team need to be up for it ready to make amends for the five goals shipped in the second half against Chelsea. We are more than capable of coming out of this game with three points but I'm going to predict a draw.</p>
<p><b>Last Six Meetings:</b></p>
<p>11th March 2012: Middlesbrough 0-2 Leeds United</p>
<p>13th August 2011: Leeds United 0-1 Middlesbrough</p>
<p>1st January 2011: Leeds United 1-1 Middlesbrough</p>
<p>16th October 2010: Middlesbrough 1-2 Leeds United</p>
<p>31st January 2004: Leeds United 0-3 Middlesbrough</p>
<p>30th August 2003: Middlesbrough 2-3 Leeds United</p>
https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/2012/12/21/3791860/leeds-united-v-middlesbrough-match-previewCiaran Roche