The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Monday 20th May) - Piroe or Bamford?
Good Morning. It's Monday 20th May, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Piroe or Bamford
Patrck Bamford has revealed it's “touch and go” if he will back for the play-off final following patellar tendon injury, admiting he's need to be back in training by Wednesday if he were to have any chance of making the game If he is fit, Leeds Manager Danie Farke has a big decision to make on Sunday on whether Bamford or Joel Piroe should start on Sunday.
Whilst Bamford maybe a better fit to spearhead the team, his finishing can be erratic, and all round contribution lacking. In 1487 minutes of league game time this season, the 30 year old has netted 8 times and contributed 1 assist (one goal every 185 mins). Whilst averaging a goal every two games isn't terrible, he only has a 'Whoscored' rating of 6.94, placing his 19th in the Leeds ratings.
Piroe too averages a goal every two games (every 187 mins). He has netted 14 times and 3 assists in 2623 of game time but has a higher ranking of 6.71 (12th in the Leeds ratings), but his lack of pace in the final third has been a constant cause of concern for Daniel Farke this season. If both were fully fit, who would you choose?
Saints or Sinners
Southampton booked their place in the Championship Play-Off final with a comprehensive 3-1 win over West Brom on Friday night, but the game will be remembered for the ugly scenes that ensued. Upon the final whistle, as many as a thousand home supporters broke through the security cordon and invaded the pitch, with many making a bee-line for the 3000 travelling fans. Police immediately set up a wall of bodies to keep the fractioning parties away from each other, which could lead to
The richest financial prize in World club football is at stake, with the losers leaving with nothing. With so much at risk, tensions are already running high in both camps. All hell could break loose should fans from either side invade the pitch at Wembley, with a very different outcome expected by the footballing authorities should Leeds come out victorious.
Albion fume over dirty tricks
Although completely outclassed in the end, Albion will feel hard done by for the dirty tricks employed by the home side during the second leg at St Mary's. Extra advertising hoardings were employed by Southampton to make it more difficult for Albion's long throw specialists, and prior to the game, the Baggies team bus was held up outside the ground for an extra 20 minutes, giving Carlos Corboran and his team just 75 minutes to prepare. This may sound like minor inconveniences, but every tiny advantage can make a difference.
Southampton deserved their win, and technically didn't break any rules, much like Bielsa over the Spy-gate saga, yet it didn't stop Leeds getting reprimanded and fined £200,000 (which Bielsa insisted on paying himself).
