With 38 points almost certainly being enough to stay up this season, Leeds need 12 more points from their next 14 games. They've picked up 12 from their last 10 and 15 from the last 14. More importantly, they've averaged 1.27 points per game since switching to a back 3. If the Back 3 keeps producing the same PPG, they should pick up another 17-18 points and finish on 43-44 points. If they beat Forest tonight, they're a quarter of the way to the cutoff point and with Wolves, Burnley and West Ham in the last 6 games. they have a rather favourable run-in .
Once in six with a brutal fixture list, and only two defeats. Liverpool away United home Newcastle away (loss) Fulham home (win) Everton away Arsenal home (loss) The only one of those teams not in the top half is Newcastle, who just put up a +10 GD in the Champions League league phase. An optimist would say unbeaten in 9 of their last 11. A pessimist would say that decent run is unlikely to continue because after this, they have Chelsea away, Villa away, and City at home.
Pretty similar to Forest's last 6, which includes a wins and West Ham and Brentford and a draw with Arsenal. As I say, it should be a good match up. Forest have Wolves at home next week.
Leeds RWB gets on the end of a long ball and scores with his left foot from the left hand side of the penalty area. 1-0.
Aaronson creates a chance with a little dink in the area, the keeper saves and Leeds take the opportunity from the rebound. 2-0.
If this sticks Leeds will save the same number of points as Manchester United at this stage last season.
It's sticking alright. It's 3-0 after 49 minutes and Forest aren't laying a glove on Leeds. Right now, 4-0 is a lot likelier than 3-1
That was a very confident looking Leeds team. Wouldn't know their form was so bad. Brendy had a nice moment where he won two aggressive tackles in quick succession, mich to the crowd's delight. I think they, and he, are finally getting it. Leeds are 100% safe and BA has played a pretty big part in that
MOT: "Aaronson 9 My man of the match, I've been very critical since day one and since his return up until our recent good run, but tonight he was immense, he didn't have his usual flow because Forest obviously targeted him from the off, his was kicked in every part of his body as a result and somehow the ref ignored some very devious challenges , I know he's not in some folks top 6 but I guarantee you if you re-watch the game you'll see what i'm on about ( 64 was at the game and I'd be surprised if he doesn't mention his contribution) Just to add ....if he played in Ampadu's position everybody would have been hailing him tonight"
My current criticism is that sometimes, just sometimes, he takes the momentum out of a break by doing his little Pirlo turn and passing it all the way back. I don't think Farke minds that but I'd just like to see him take a chance sometimes. For the NT I think he's the ideal player to bring on when you're holding onto a lead because of his workrate, his willingness to provide an outlet and his ability to take the sting out of a situation.
I'd add he could start a game here and there to give Pulisic a break who plays better with longer rest. Luna is going to have to start the MLS season on a tear to evenly compete with BA now. BTW is anyone else annoyed that we still don't know the roster size at the WC? They had to jump the gun on groups before everyone had qualified but still no roster size given?
looks like the match today vs. Chelsea...televised on Universo (NBC Universo) which is available on Optimum.
v Nottingham Forest ... 78 mins played 52 touches 18/22 successful passes 15 ball carries 10 duels won 9.52 km distance covered 7 ball recoveries 6 times fouled 3 opp. box touches 2/3 successful take-ons 2 blocked shots https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HAj_1e-W0AA7FFb?format=jpg&name=large