Please log in or register. Registered visitors get fewer ads.
Somma could be thrown in against the Lions
Somma could be thrown in against the Lions
Friday, 20th Aug 2010 18:07 by Tim Whelan

Leeds have another difficult game against Millwall at Elland Road tomorrow, but Davide Somma is now available to make his first appearance of the season.

Leeds have earned only one point from the two league games so far, and although we’ve battled hard in both games, our defensive frailties must be a cause for concern. This week the manager has praised the good spirit that exists in his squad, and while that has been very much in evidence on the field, it can only get you so far and could do with a bit more quality at the back.

We really need Kisnorbo to get back to fitness, but if looks as if his return is still some way off. But with Naylor and Collins again looking unsteady against Forest, I would like to see Alex Bruce getting a game in central defence. Ben Parker will also be out for a while yet.

At the other end of the field, Grayson will finally have Davide Somma available, and the manager will have to decide whether he needs to give Becchio a bit more support up front. Somma has completed the three match suspension that resulted from his sending off in his final game for Lincoln last season. Billy Paynter and Robert Snodgrass are still struggling with shin and knee injuries respectively, and neither player is likely to be back in action tomorrow.

Millwall have made an excellent start to the season, having won both league games so far, and scoring seven goals without reply. And they’ve had the better of the recent clashes with Leeds as both clubs battled to get out of League One, doing the double over us last season and beating us in the play-offs the year before.  

But despite this record, Simon Grayson was quite optimistic when he spoke to the official site. "In all the games we've had against them they've been close with not much between the teams. Last year we came out on the wrong end of two defeats, but we know all about them, they know all about us, and hopefully we'll get the breaks this weekend”.  But he added “It might surprise a few people that they have made a good start, but I'm not surprised. They've turned over Bristol City and put four Hull who were in the Premier League last season so we know it will be a tough test."

Millwall have a few injury problems of their own to contend with, as defender Scott Barron is reported to have only a 50-50 chance of playing, so Jack Smith or Tamika Mkandawire may need to come in. Striker Shaun Batt is a long-term absentee with a knee injury, and defender Tony Craig still recovering from his fractured metatarsal.

I’m sure you won’t forget that it’s a 12.30 kick-off tomorrow, and the club have asked fans not to congregate around the Billy Bremner statue after the game. Any fans that do hang around in that area will be moved on by West Yorkshire’s finest. Meanwhile the Millwall fans will again have to cope with severe restrictions as to how they can travel to this came, which is bound to reduce the numbers that bother to make the trip up from South-East London.

I can’t see Leeds getting more than a point from this game, but I think the results will start to improve once we get onto a run of easier fixtures.

 

Photo: Action Images



Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.


You need to login in order to post your comments

Colchester United Polls

About Us Contact Us Terms & Conditions Privacy Cookies Advertising
© FansNetwork 2024