Leeds United top the Championship table for Christmas. To put this into perspective, every team in a similar position in the last 10 years has gone on to Premier League promotion.
It has been a campaign of wonders this first part of the 2018/19 season. From mid-table mediocrity under Paul Heckingbottom, to glowing atop the pile under Marcelo Bielsa.
The Argentine coaching legend has done this essentially with last season’s underperformers, performing an upgrade to players like Kalvin Phillips. Seeing Phillips purring along now is like that time you switched to CD from C90 – hearing crisp digital vs scratcht analogue.
Others, such as Barry Douglas and Patrick Bamford, have been added to the mix – like that extra spice to a bland soup. Whatever concoction that Bielsa has put out on the pitch this season, whatever blend of players, it has largely worked.
One of the big hindrances that the Whites have faced, more a barrier than an obstacle to be honest, is the injury list at Elland Road. It has been a niggle all season, it shows few signs of abating. Yet, despite its ravages, the Whites have largely managed.
With the busy festive period about to kick in, it looks like they may just have to cope again, that’s if the following from respected reporter and Leeds United commentator Adam Pope is anything to go by.
Patrick Bamford hurt his knee as he came down from a header in training. (which is how he did original injury). Bielsa says they will know more tomorrow but he won’t be out as long as before. Douglas was feeling ill in the warm up. Roberts is other doubt for Boxing Day. #lufc
— Adam Pope (@apopey) December 23, 2018
First up, on Boxing Day, is a home tie against Blackburn Rovers – one of only three teams to best Leeds this season. The Whites look to be going into this particular game with the possibility of three players missing.
With Popey saying “he won’t be out as long as before”, that looks like Patrick Bamford is unlikely to be considered for a place against Rovers. Depending on the severity of Douglas’ illness, he too could be out. Added to that, it looks likely that the sicknote extends to Tyler Roberts.
The thing is, Leeds United have overcome similar circumstances this season; you wouldn’t bet against them overcoming this adversity. Time and time again, detractors have written the Whites off, injuries being too severe to cope with. Time and time again, Leeds United have proven them wrong.
Wednesday could very well be another one of those days in front of a sell-out Leeds United crowd.
