When I look at the position that we are in right now, I am happy and fearful. Norwich and Watford are level on 79 points, with the Canaries up by one on goal differential. You would think that if we win all four matches left we are good, but Watford could also win their four by more goals than we do and overtake us on goal difference. We control our own destiny, but we also don’t. All we can do is win our matches, and that starts Tuesday night at Elland Road. Here are five things to look out for.
1. The Big One For Leeds
It has been obvious for a while now that Leeds are not going to get promoted or relegated. The rest of their season is about developing youngsters and jockeying for mid-table positioning. When you are in a situation like that, you take pride in spoiling the chances of others. They have already beaten Ipswich 2-1, and narrowly missed out on denting the playoff push of Wolves with a 4-3 loss last week. Their last three fixtures are against Charlton, Sheffield Wednesday, and Rotherham. This is their last chance to spoil somebody’s season. Add that into the fact that we have nicked so many players off them, and Leeds will be very up for it and ready to try to stop our promotion charge. Look for some extra energy from the home side.
2. Giuseppe Bellusci
Giuseppe Bellusci is the dirtiest player in the Championship. There is no other way to put it. He has the most yellow cards and tied for the most red cards, with 13 bookings and two sending offs this season. He is a physical presence and helps to “Leed” the defense. We have to know that if we go at them through the middle, it might turn into a physical game. That might play into our hands if we set up with the right personnel. We will have to wait to see how the game unfolds, but what kind of a day Bellusci is having might dictate how we will have to set up our attack.
3. Johnny Howson
I really think this game sets up perfectly for Johnny Howson. There is a little extra motivation because he is playing against his former club. As I said in the last section, this could be a physical game in the middle of the park, and with no Bradley Johnson available I would be shocked if he is not picked. He has been on a good run over the last month with goals against Millwall and Nottingham Forest, but also will help in defense against a Leeds attack that sneaks up on teams. I think that Johnny Howson will play a vital role in this match with a goal against his former club.
4. Shoot!
I don’t know if there is a stat for number of goals from corners conceded, but if there was one, I’m pretty sure Leeds would be in first. Both goals that they conceded in their2-1 loss to Cardiff at the weekend were from corners. In addition, the goal that we scored against them in the return fixture was from a corner. If we take shots, the keeper will save them out for corners, and we can do some damage from there. We are in the top five in the Championship in both amount of possession held and passing accuracy. We held lots of possession against Leeds in the first game and did not do enough with it. Let’s not make that same mistake again.
5. Will Leeds Park The Bus?
Leeds have lost three in a row and are limping to the finish line trying to put up any points that they can. They are also desperate to spoil the Norwich promotion party. They have conceded nine goals in their last three matches, and their defense is desperate to keep a clean sheet for the sake of confidence. Because of all of this I think that we could see a parked bus from the home side on Tuesday night. Whether or not they successfully park their bus or we just drive through them remains to be seen, but I think that we have to be prepared to face an all out defensive set up.
Those are five big things that I see shaping this game. Obviously squad selection is important because of Friday night, and not looking ahead to that one is very important as well. For now though we head to Leeds looking for three points. OTBC!
