Leeds United’s match this evening against Middlesbrough at the ‘Shiverside’ was at threat from the weather event termed ‘the Beast from the East’. However, the latest prognosis is looking good for both the Whites and Boro.
There has been much jawing about whether the game that pits 11th place visitors Leeds United against 8th place Boro – only three points and eight goals between the two sides. Yet, the latest news, as demonstrated by Phil Hay’s tweet (below) the game is all set to go barring a later meeting this afternoon.
Latest – MIddlesbrough v Leeds United is ON, pending a final meeting of the local authorities today:https://t.co/A51YBStFHu
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) March 2, 2018
With weather warnings and extreme conditions shutting down schools, emptying town and city centres and postponing football games, Middlesbrough’s concerted efforts at the Riverside seem to be paying off.
A win for Leeds will see them creep further up the table to just behind Boro on 52 points, the eight goal difference between the sides too much to overturn. Three points for Boro would see them hit 55 points and, at the same time, hit the last of the play-off places – Sheffield United having an inferior goal difference.
Leeds United already hold a win over tonight’s hosts, the Whites emerging 2-1 vistors at Elland Road in mid-November thanks to goals by Pablo Hernandez and Gianni Alioski, Britt Assombalonga replying for tonight’s hosts.
In advance team news for the visitors, it appears that Spaniard Hernandez and nine-goal forward Kemar Roofe, both carrying slight knocks, won’t be risked ahead of a congested period of games and with the Whites still pushing for a play-off place.
Whilst it is a game that remains firmly on at the moment, the ultimate decision remains with the multi-agency meeting taking place this lunchtime.
