Swagger to stagger - Leeds United fans on Javi Gracia gripe, team suggestion and survival hope

By YEP Sport
Published 29th Apr 2023, 07:00 BST
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Leeds United are returning to the scene where the club sealed promotion back in May 1990 and with mixed expectations from the club’s fans.

Here is what our YEP Jury have had to say on Sunday’s 2pm kick-off on the south coast including a Javi Gracia gripe, a team selection and Whites survival hope.

NEIL GREWER

Bournemouth away is another massive game. There are so many possible scenarios within the relegation battle I cannot comprehend all the possibilities. Likewise, the Leeds United squad and management must not concern themselves with other teams at present, but concentrate on winning the next game.

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SUGGESTION: To play Leeds United's Weston McKennie, above, in a different role at Bournemouth. Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images.SUGGESTION: To play Leeds United's Weston McKennie, above, in a different role at Bournemouth. Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images.
SUGGESTION: To play Leeds United's Weston McKennie, above, in a different role at Bournemouth. Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images.

A victory on Sunday would give Leeds 33 points – which I feel is within touching distance of survival. Anything less than a victory makes survival much more unlikely. To this end, I believe we need to strengthen the midfield – play Adam Forshaw and move Weston McKennie to the forward midfield role.

Illan Meslier proved his doubters wrong on Tuesday night against Leicester City and will retain his place – of less certainty however is the position of Patrick Bamford who laboured around the pitch and missed a sitter late on which would have won the game – but who can replace him?

Javi Gracia now has to earn his money and reputation. The chance is there but it needs to be taken. Bournemouth are just as capable of losing as they are of winning, as are Leeds. Fingers crossed!

Prediction: Bournemouth 1 Leeds United 2.

ANDY RHODES

As far as weeks in the Premier League go, this certainly hasn’t been a good one for Leeds United. If the late concession against Leicester City on Tuesday wasn’t bad enough, other results in midweek were far from ideal. The pressure, then, is well and truly on ahead of the final throes of the season.

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