Toytowner
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Rotherham vs Leeds - 17/10/14 (ko 19:45)
It's the South vs the West this Friday night, as the Sky cameras arrive at the sold out New York Stadium to broadcast this enthralling Yorkshire derby between Championship new-boys Rotherham United, and a Leeds United side adapting to life under the recent managerial appointment of Darko Milanic. With Rotherham and Leeds spending the majority of their time at opposite ends of the football pyramid, fixtures between the two have been uncommon, and the most recent meeting between the two was 6 years ago, with the Millers romping to a 4-2 victory in the Football League Trophy. Things have been steadily improving for the South Yorkshire club this season, with a 2-0 victory over Blackburn and a hard-earned 1-1 draw away at table toppers Norwich coming just before the international break. Leeds on the other hand haven't had too much to shout about lately in terms of results. New manager Darko Milanic is still awaiting his first win since taking over at Elland Road, only claiming 2 points from a possible 9, scoring just the 1 goal in the process. They come into this electrifying away fixture on the back of a 1-1 draw in another Yorkshire derby, against Sheffield Wednesday.
If there was one player that both sets of fans were to have their eyes on, it would most likely be Luciano Becchio. The Argentine is a huge Leeds' fans favorite, scoring 75 goals in 190 league appearances for The Whites, and was a summer transfer window acquisition for Rotherham, who signed him on a season long loan at the last minute from Norwich City. However, the striker confirmed this week that he had broken his ankle, and faced a spell on the sidelines for up to 3 months, gatecrashing his Leeds reunion. This leaves Steve Evans pondering over who to select in his place, with lively striker Paul Taylor being able to play on the right wing if needed. Speedy striker Jonson Clarke-Harris may well be the answer, but Alex Revell, the Millers' Wembley hero, is certain to give Bellusci some problems. At the other end, Doukara, who has 4 goals to his name, is very likely to start, with veteran Billy Sharp on hand if needed. Rotherham will be relying on the "Iceman" Kari Arnason to quell this danger, but with Monday night's 2-0 European qualifier win over Holland marking the likes of Robben and van Persie, there's a chance he may have tired legs.
I think Friday nights tasty encounter will produce a fantastic atmosphere for those viewing at the ground or on TV, as Yorkshire derbies tend to do. I would expect a few goals, but if any of the sides recent scoring form is anything to go by, it almost definitely won't be goals galore. However with some very hardworking and gritty performances from Rotherham lately, they seem to finally be carving out the results they deserve. Alternatively, Leeds have lacked finishing quality, only managing to net once under Milanic. It would be more likely to see a Rotherham win regarding their performances, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a score draw after 90 minutes either. A Leeds win definitely isn't out of the question either. No matter the result, it should be an enjoyable night for both sets of fans.
What are your match predictions?
It's the South vs the West this Friday night, as the Sky cameras arrive at the sold out New York Stadium to broadcast this enthralling Yorkshire derby between Championship new-boys Rotherham United, and a Leeds United side adapting to life under the recent managerial appointment of Darko Milanic. With Rotherham and Leeds spending the majority of their time at opposite ends of the football pyramid, fixtures between the two have been uncommon, and the most recent meeting between the two was 6 years ago, with the Millers romping to a 4-2 victory in the Football League Trophy. Things have been steadily improving for the South Yorkshire club this season, with a 2-0 victory over Blackburn and a hard-earned 1-1 draw away at table toppers Norwich coming just before the international break. Leeds on the other hand haven't had too much to shout about lately in terms of results. New manager Darko Milanic is still awaiting his first win since taking over at Elland Road, only claiming 2 points from a possible 9, scoring just the 1 goal in the process. They come into this electrifying away fixture on the back of a 1-1 draw in another Yorkshire derby, against Sheffield Wednesday.
If there was one player that both sets of fans were to have their eyes on, it would most likely be Luciano Becchio. The Argentine is a huge Leeds' fans favorite, scoring 75 goals in 190 league appearances for The Whites, and was a summer transfer window acquisition for Rotherham, who signed him on a season long loan at the last minute from Norwich City. However, the striker confirmed this week that he had broken his ankle, and faced a spell on the sidelines for up to 3 months, gatecrashing his Leeds reunion. This leaves Steve Evans pondering over who to select in his place, with lively striker Paul Taylor being able to play on the right wing if needed. Speedy striker Jonson Clarke-Harris may well be the answer, but Alex Revell, the Millers' Wembley hero, is certain to give Bellusci some problems. At the other end, Doukara, who has 4 goals to his name, is very likely to start, with veteran Billy Sharp on hand if needed. Rotherham will be relying on the "Iceman" Kari Arnason to quell this danger, but with Monday night's 2-0 European qualifier win over Holland marking the likes of Robben and van Persie, there's a chance he may have tired legs.
I think Friday nights tasty encounter will produce a fantastic atmosphere for those viewing at the ground or on TV, as Yorkshire derbies tend to do. I would expect a few goals, but if any of the sides recent scoring form is anything to go by, it almost definitely won't be goals galore. However with some very hardworking and gritty performances from Rotherham lately, they seem to finally be carving out the results they deserve. Alternatively, Leeds have lacked finishing quality, only managing to net once under Milanic. It would be more likely to see a Rotherham win regarding their performances, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a score draw after 90 minutes either. A Leeds win definitely isn't out of the question either. No matter the result, it should be an enjoyable night for both sets of fans.
What are your match predictions?
