Leeds United Jury: If United play like they did at Turf Moor against Ipswich, then they should win

THe YEP's Leeds United Jury look at the thrilling midweek Carabao Cup win against Burnley and the Championship clash with Ipswich Town.
Stuart Dallas celebrates his match winning penalty at Burnley.Stuart Dallas celebrates his match winning penalty at Burnley.
Stuart Dallas celebrates his match winning penalty at Burnley.

DAVID WATKINS

After the euphoria of the Carabao Cup penalty shootout win over Premier League Burnley, we return to the more important Championship campaign against Ipswich Town.

A side which even their bluff manager Mick McCarthy says may not be the best, but admits they do the “horrible things” needed to grind out results.

Thomas ChristiansenThomas Christiansen
Thomas Christiansen
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The challenge for Leeds will be similar to Millwall where Ipswich recently battled out a 4-3 win. Ipswich, fifth and with a game in hand over the top four, have had a similar start to Leeds.

Like United, Town have secured four wins against sides in the current bottom five and have only played one from the top half; losing that 2-1 at Queens Park Rangers.

Hence the challenge for both sides will be tougher than they’ve seen so far.

This will be tight and probably not pretty but whoever head coach Thomas Christiansen picks, I believe overall we have the edge in quality and the ability to find a magic moment or two.

Thomas ChristiansenThomas Christiansen
Thomas Christiansen

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MATTHEW EVANS

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A dramatic win on penalties in the League Cup was the catalyst for an excellent run for United in last season’s campaign so hopefully there is more of the same to come after a triumphant night at Turf Moor.

The second XI gave a more than impressive account of itself and, considering our disappointing showing at The Den last week, there will be players in contention for a start against Ipswich tomorrow.

It will be a similar game to the one we experienced last week and no doubt Mick McCarthy will use Millwall’s performance as a blueprint for how to stop and beat what has been an otherwise formidable side in the league this season.

I’d start with Gaetano Berardi at left-back where both Vurnon Anita and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson have disappointed in the two games prior and Stuart Dallas must be pushing for a start following consistently bright appearances whenever he has been given a cameo this term.

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Nice problems to have and I have no trouble predicting that United will prevail.

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KEITH INGHAM

Well that was a unbelievable night against Burnley on Tuesday, with the eight changes Thomas Christiansen made giving him a few selection headaches ahead of the visit by Ipswich.

Self-confessed Leeds fan Mick McCarthy brings his fifth- placed side to Elland Road with fifteen points from the seven games played. The dour Yorkshire man will definitely have his charges fired up.

I’d like to see the impressive Stuart Dallas start on Saturday, he has impressed me so much this season, Kemar Roofe may be the man to make way for him.

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Pontus Jansson, Liam Cooper or fit again Mathew Pennington will contest for the centre-back places in the team, unluckily for Conor Shaughnessy who had a great game against Burnley. His time will definitely come.

I’m expecting a tight game, but after Tuesday’s Turf Moor exploits, it should give the men in white and gold just the timely boost they need to get the three points.

Winning, even on penalties is still a win and that’s a habit this Leeds team is getting and regularly.

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GARY NEWBOULD

Fresh from successfully bouncing back from their first defeat of the season by gloriously “downing claret” in midweek, United return to Championship action with a home game against Ipswich Town.

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United fan Mick McCarthy has made a good start to the season, despite selling some quality players in the summer with the Tractor Boys currently fifth and only two points worse off than the Whites with a game in hand.

A much-improved depth to the squad was evident midweek, however United are once again likely to be without Pontus Jansson, however Liam Cooper and Matthew Pennington may well come back into contention for the Whites.

As well as death and taxes another certainty in life is that McCarthy’s team will always be competitive, physical and very effective at set pieces, so let’s hope the lessons at The Den have been learnt.

Another near capacity crowd at Elland Road will be hoping that United can register another three points and stay top of the league.

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MIKE GILL

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After Saturday’s capitulation at Millwall, Thomas Christiansen promised a reaction.

At Burnley on Tuesday night, the reaction was well and truly delivered and does show the virtues of having a large and talented squad.

A hugely enjoyable evening was crowned by five impressive penalties in the shootout.

On to Saturday and Ipswich Town are at Elland Road.

Mick McCarthy’s men have made an impressive start to the season and stand two points behind United with a game in hand.

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Will Pontus Janssen and Liam Cooper be fit to play? Who knows?

It’s no use asking our talented but inscrutable coach.

The selection decisions are kept a secret these days and frustrating though that may be, it is the right way to do things.

Whatever the line-up is, the players must be inspired by Tuesday’s pulsating performance.

Another sell out attendance should help to put United back on track in the Championship promotion race.