Key events
On the other hand, Leeds have weaknesses at either end of the pitch. In net, Illan Meslier has endured a miserable period and isn’t necessarily over it, while up front, Joël Piroe isn’t the class of the players behind him.
Leeds will certainly ask some different questions of them. In particular, the three behind the striker – James, Aaronson and Solomon – are capable of causing problems, able to carry the ball, attack space and shoot. It’s a terrific blend, which is why players as talented as Willy Gnonto and Largie Ramazani are on the bench.
There were signs in midweek that Burnley, owners of the best defensive record in the country, are looking to play more expansively. It may simply be that they were playing Plymouth, the bottom team, but they may also feel that in order to get one of the two automatic promotion places, more goals will be necessary.
And Daniel Farke does likewise, bringing in Gruev for Rothwell in midfield.
Scott E. Parker makes one change to the side which clobbered Plymouth, Humphreys replacing Pires at left-back.
I’m going to get the car for my wife and write these teams down, then we’ll have a think about what they mean.
Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu says the players are excited. There’ll be two teams trying to win the game and both teams are good.
More news as I get it.
Teams!
Burnley (4-2-3-1): Trafford; Roberts, Egan-Riley, Esteve, Humphreys; Cullen, Laurent; Anthony, Brownhill, Foster; Flemming. Subs: Worrall, Sarmiento, Rodriguez, Egan, Pires, Mejbri, Koleosho, Hladky, Barnes.
Leeds United (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Bogle, Ampadu, Rodon, Byram; Gruev, Tanaka; James, Aaronson, Solomon; Piroe. Subs: Darlow, Schmidt, Firpo, Wöber, Rothwell, Guilavogui, Ramazani, Gnont, Joseph.
Preamble
Pre-match, it’s the job of the MBMer to amp up the situation. Generally speaking, this an easy activity, given one of the reasons football keeps us coming back is the prospect that, with no warning, we might see something brilliant, hilarious or disgraceful.
But sometimes there’s a game of such obvious import and interest that is does all the work by itself, and Burnley v Leeds is one such.
The home side, third in the league, are in pretty decent form, having walloped Plymouth 5-0 in midweek and won six of their last 10 games, while the visitors – three points ahead – and one ahead of Sheffield United with a game in hand – have won seven. They, along with Sunderland – four points off the lead in fourth – are well clear of the pack, automatic promotion likely to go to two of the four.
Tonight’s match-up is also fascinating because it features the division’s best attack – Leeds’ 53 goals is five more than Norwich – against its best defence – Burnley’s nine conceded is 10 fewer than tonight’s opponents. And if to all that you add a night game under the lights along with some of the best individuals outside the Premier League, you have a tantalising prospect primed to elevate our evening.
Kick-off: 8pm GMT
