The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Monday 13th January) - Whites limp into 4th Round of FA Cup
Good Morning. It's Monday 13th January, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Whites limp into 4th Round of FA Cup
Leeds United limped into the FA Cup fourth round after a narrow victory against League Two strugglers Harrogate Town, setting up what promises to be a bruising encounter with Millwall (as long as they can overcome Dagenham & Redbridge this evening. Hopes of seeing the stars of tomorrow (Debayo, Crew, Chambers and even Joffy) were dashed when Daniel Farke named a fully strength outfield side, with Guilavogui giving Rodon an hour off, and likewise Joseph deputising for Piroe.
Leeds had 21 attempts on goal, with five on target, forcing two proper saves; perfecting emulating their recent endeavours in the final third. Struggles to convert chances remains a significant issue, evident in their frustrating performance against a team ranked 68 places below them, echoing similar problems faced in the Championship.
The only goal of the game came on the hour mark when Ramazani headed home Solomon's pin point cross at the far post, giving Belshaw no chance. Given the Sulphurites have only conceded a goal less than the bottom club in the football league (Carlisle Utd), they'll certainly take a 1-0 loss at Elland Road.
Are Leeds leaving themselves thin on the ground with Cup run
Whilst Sheffield Utd and Sunderland get to focus all their efforts on promotion, Daniel Farke has apparently set his sights on a Cup run this season. If a gruelling 46 game season isn't hard enough, the gaffer made his intentions known, by fielding an almost fully strength side to ensure progression to the fourth round! Couple that with the amount of players they will lose on International breaks between now and the end of the season, and Leeds are at risk of finding themselves in the same predicament as last March, during the season finale last time round!
Leeds have made their feelings abundantly clear regarding recruitment this month, despite all those around them desperately strengthening. Nobody wants to go out of the Cup to league 2 opposition, but surely promotion must take precedence?