Marching on Together: Hartlepool United match preview

As Gary McAllister looks ahead to Hartlepool United's visit of Elland Road on Saturday afternoon he is, hopefully, beginning to see a rather unremarkable pattern of play from Leeds. I won't bother with the rather foolish commentary that Leeds should be distancing themselves from the rest of the table by now but instead point out the root of the problem is an attacking mindset that slows the pace of the assault to lowest common denominator. This is the cause of the nineteen points dropped at this stage of the campaign and if not addressed shortly, the Leeds faithful will find themselves in League One next year. I should also add with the expected loss of younger talent if they are in League One next year the concern would be that they will have taken root at this level.

For Hartlepool United Leeds is reporting it is fully-fit with Alan Sheehan, Paul Huntington and Frazer Richardson all available whilst the visitors have Sam Collins and Kevin Kyle available. The recent addition of Kevin Kyle to the Hartlepool United lineup is one of great concern and the Leeds back four need to take special care or he will litter the net with goals.

Based upon past experiences Gary McAllister is most likely to use the same lineup as the previous match, with a Malcolm Christie and Jermaine Beckford up-top. In the event Leeds actually decides to uses its optimal formation, we'll see Luciano Becchio up-front in a 4-3-3 and the luxury of Malcolm Christie, will allow the young Scot Robert Snodgrass and Jonny Howson in wing position and Fabian Delph given the green-light to push the attack forward. In-fact, maintain that lineup and we'll all be enjoying hoisting some hardware and the Championship next year.

I will report on the match as it concludes but until then we're Marching on Together.