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Monday 19 September 2011

Different Competition, Different Venue, Different Players, Same Rivalry!

Its been 7 years 11 months and 8 days since Manchester United last visited Elland Road. That was funnily enough in the League Cup. These two famous clubs with a fierce rivalry lock horns once again in what is an eagerly anticipated fixture for both sets of fans.

Leeds shocked the footballing world three seasons ago when they stunned the Red Devils by knocking them out of the FA Cup at Old Trafford, that Jermaine Beckford goal will never be forgotten. Revenge might be on the agenda for Sir Alex and his unbeaten side come tomorrow night, however he is rumoured to be introducing many young players to the team. He certainly wouldn't want a repeat result. So will the likes of Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young and Nani travel? I expect to see them on the bench. I see Man Utd taking a similar strategy to what Liverpool did a few seasons ago by fielding a young yet talent starting eleven whilst being backed up by a star studded bench.

As for Simon Grayson he has a few dilemmas's to his selection with an important Championship trip to high flying Brighton on Friday night. Experienced defender Patrick Kisnorbo is suspended, he would have been one of the few survivors from the side that one at Old Trafford. Captain Jonny Howson has had an average start to his campaign but should lead his side out with all the fans begging for a performance like the Jonny Howson that dazzled the Championship last term. You can't stop Ross McCormack scoring of late and he'll be hoping that his fine form is rewarded with a start in this high profile game. Also Paul Rachubka who played in the 2nd round tie will be hoping to get the nod over the impressive Andy Lonergan.

Whoever is selected for the both sides a explosive atmosphere is sure to be created from a vocal Elland Road faithful. Ken Bates is expected to be at the game and he is once again in the headlines after calling ex-white Neil Kilkenny a 'petulant sod' after he sarcastically blew kisses at him in the stands during his goal celebration at Elland Road on Saturday. I can only imagine the fans will once again voice their protests against him but all I can hope is that the players do their talking on the pitch and give the fans just reward for an emotionally toiling start to the season.

White vs Red... Grayson vs Ferguson... Leeds vs Man Utd... It doesn't get better than this!

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