The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Tuesday 4th November) Stach targets Forest return

Good Morning. It's Tuesday 4th November, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...

Stach targets Forest return

Anton Stach has shed light on the painful rib injury that has disrupted his promising start at Leeds. The 26yo has impressed the Elland Road faithful with his physicality, ball-winning ability and powerful engine, but a broken rib sustained in October against Spurs has been costly. The injury, coupled with a broken finger, came at a time when Stach was beginning to establish himself in Daniel Farke’s midfield. Rib damage is notoriously difficult to manage, with even simple movements like breathing or twisting bring discomfort.

Despite the intense pain, Stach was thrust into the starting line‑up against Burnley next game; a decision that backfired as his restricted mobility hampered his performance and undoubtably contributed to the team’s dismal result. Speaking to German outlet Kicker, Stach admitted that the challenge was “mostly a mental thing,” explaining how he instinctively held back in physical duels to protect himself. While unable to perform at his peak, he remained on the bench against Brighton to offer support to his teammates and maintain his presence within the squad.

After breaking my little finger, I also broke a rib against Tottenham. I initially tried to keep playing. But you definitely feel an injury like that. For me, it was mostly a mental thing, because I automatically held back in challenges. The coaching staff still wanted me on the bench to support the team. The break did me good, and I got better day by day. Now I need a few training sessions to get used to the intensity again; especially in midfield, you have a lot of challenges, and elbows can come in quickly.

Is a draw good enough at Forest

Leeds make the short trip to the City Ground this weekend knowing they'll need to improve at both ends of the pitch if they are going to get anything from Sean Dyche's new look Nottingham Forest. Their inept display against an injury-hit Brighton side (last time out) left fans angry, and they will demand a better performance next time out!

Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, sit at the foot of the current form table with just two points from their last eight outings. Yet their spirited showing against Manchester United last weekend hinted at a turning point. Forest’s squad brims with depth and attacking flair, the kind of resources Leeds could only envy. From defence through midfield to the forward line, there is quality in abundance; if only it can be channelled into consistent results.

Under the experienced guidance of Sean Dyche, there is a growing belief that Forest will eventually steer themselves clear of danger. Dyche’s no-nonsense style and tactical organisation seem tailor-made for a survival fight, and the performance against United suggested his ideas are beginning to take hold. Leeds, in contrast, continue to look vulnerable at both ends of the pitch, brittle in defence, blunt in attack - a combination that leaves them open to being picked apart by a side with Forest’s attacking options.

Given the circumstances, Leeds fans might admit that a draw may not be the worst result on Sunday. A point on the road, especially against a team seemingly on the rise under Dyche, could be a platform to rebuild momentum. With West Ham hammering Newcastle on Sunday, the precious points difference between safety and the drop is shrinking, so is a draw enough?

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