The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 12th March) Big opportunity for Leeds as chasing pack all draw
Good Morning. It's Wednesday 12th March, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Big opportunity for Leeds as chasing pack all draw
Leeds United have been handed a golden opportunity to seize control of the Championship summit after a night of draws amongst their promotion rivals. Sheffield United, Burnley and Sunderland all recorded 1-1 draws on Tuesday evening, dropping crucial points and opening the door for Leeds to regain top spot, and put distance between themselves and the chasing pack.
However, tonight poses a tricky challenge for the Whites. Millwall have been somewhat of a bogey club for Leeds this season, having already handed them defeats on two occasions. Their physical approach, set piece precision, and searching long ball will keep Leeds on their toes, but after last night's results the pressure is somewhat alleviated!
"We've Poked the Bear": Millwall Boss targets hat-trick of wins
Millwall boss Alex Neil has playfully suggested his side might have stirred up a sleeping giant in Leeds United, after securing two impressive victories over the league leaders already this season. The Lions first roared to a 1-0 league win at The Den in November, before securing a Fourth Round FA Cup victory last month, courtesy of a Femi Azeez double. Neil is under no illusions about the challenge his Millwall side face tonight! He joked that the previous wins might have “poked the bear,” acknowledging the heightened stakes and potential for a fierce response from a Leeds side desperate for revenge.
"You can look at it two ways" Neil stated in a pre-match interview. "We’ve poked the bear, shall we say, and upset them a little bit." This lighthearted remark underlines the unexpected nature of Millwall's previous successes against a team widely considered the Championship's best this season. Indeed, Neil was quick to lavish praise on Leeds, recognizing the magnitude of the task facing his team. "Leeds are an outstanding team. They’re fighting for the title. They’ve been the best team this season when I’ve watched them. So it’s going to be a really tough match for us," he admitted.
The stats back up Neil's assessment: Leeds boast an impressive home record, having lost just one league game at Elland Road all season, and have been in formidable league form since December, suffering only a single defeat. Despite the daunting prospect, Neil emphasized the unwavering confidence within the Millwall camp. "But listen, I think we are confident, I’ve said that before, we will go anywhere and we’ll give it a go." He reiterated the team's mentality of hard work and commitment, highlighting their intention to compete fiercely regardless of the opposition or venue.
"Will we play brilliant every game? No, but what we’ll do is we’ll compete, we’ll be there, we’ll fight and then hopefully if we can play the way I know we can, we’ll give ourselves an opportunity.”