Thursday, May 7, 2009

Leeds v Millwall opening leg match preview

After forty-six matches since August, Leeds looks to take an important step forward after the well-documented demise of the last decade. The early season promise of Gary McAllister's flourishing side that many thought a sure-thing for automatic promotion has been replaced with efficient system under Simon Grayson.

As they venture forward in the opening leg against Millwall on Saturday afternoon, they will need to capture the stubborn defending stance the new manager the manager instilled when he took over. Equally League One has likely not seen such a vocal match this year as The Den will be a cauldron and the Whites will need to manage their play accordingly. If there doubt on the massive support Millwall boss Kenny Jackett has sounded the war drums and asked for a highly vocal display from the stands.

Entering the match both sides are fully fit. Young Scot Robert Snodgrass and Sam Sodje have recovered from recent injuries and both will figure in Simon Grayson's starting eleven. Beyond the normal lineups and tactical decisions, everything changes as this is playoff Football and both sides will pay extra caution going forward. Heart and soul cannot be understated in the playoffs. If there was such a way to season the side with splash of Billy Bremer, it would see Leeds through any challenge. That of-course is too much to ask, despite my wistful memories of the past and now it is time for the present day hero's to charge forward in the return to glory. They will need capture that hidden mix, the special concoction that is impossible to bottle, the indefensible side of human will. They can do so with the surge of power that will run through their claret, as they hear out We are Leeds, We are Proud..and yes the Ballad of Billy Bremner.