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Saturday 19 March 2011

Huge Yorkshire derby for both sides!

Leeds United travel to Sheffied today to take on the struggling Blades. Simon Grayson's side are right in the hunt for a back to back promotion whilst Sheffield United are in serious danger of falling out of the trap door into League 1. When the sides met back in September a 84th minute Bradley Johnson goal secured the points for Leeds. The midfielder is set to make his 100th appearance for the club today.

Micky Adams and Grayson were team mates when Grayson made his Leeds debut. Adams has had the lesser fortunes since he joined replacing Gary Speed. Sheff Utd find themselves 23rd in the table 4 points from safety. Last time out the Blades got crushed 3-0 at the hands of play-off chasing Watford. They will be without suspended Darius Henderson and Lee Williamson who got sent their marching orders on Saturday. Johnny Ertl will also miss out with a knee injury.

Unlike the relegation fighters Grayson has a full squad to select from. Paul Connolly is fit again and could feature. He now has Eric Lichaj to contend with until the end of the season. Richard Naylor is the only doubt who picked up a knock in mid-week. Grayson has food for thought however with Sanchez Watt, Lloyd Sam and Ross McCormack all putting in blistering perfromances for the reserves. The Leeds manager said this earlier this week "The competition isn't just about matchdays, it's about every day in training as well. If someone is off it or they are slacking they know they could lose their place."


Today's clash sees top scorers Leeds face the team that have scored fewer goals than any team in the Championship. Sheff Utd have also not kept a clean sheet in 11 matches. A draw today for Leeds would see Grayson secure his 200th point as manger of the Whites. It's a milestone for United stopper Kasper Schmeichel as he will make his 150th league start. Leigh Bromby will return to Brammal Lane after a spell with the club in which he was promoted to the Premier League, now can he help Leeds do the same feat?

A win for both teams would be priceless. Leeds trying to ignite themselves back to the big time, they are currently 5 points of 2nd place Norwich. Time is ticking for the Blades, they must start winning soon or they will be doomed to a place in the 3rd teer of English Football.

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