Can they stop the rot?
However anyone may want to dress up or dress down the form book (two wins in 17 matches, one loss in four) or the quality of the opposition or the inferiority of the competition, Leeds United need to win. It has been so long since the players and fans were able to enjoy that winning feeling.
Brentford is the more important match this week, but the manner of tonight against Cardiff City will play a huge role in emotions going into that 2pm kick-off on Sunday. If last Friday really is to be a turning point under Jesse Marsch, there has to be evidence of the same level against the Bluebirds.
Crowd reaction?
As was the case in October when Leeds returned to Elland Road after their midweek Leicester City trip, all eyes are on whether the home support follows the away trend. The pockets of ‘Marsch out’ chants at Villa Park set the bar for current fan feeling and tonight’s performance will be judged accordingly in LS11.
READ MORE: Jesse Marsch roots out any notion he's lost Leeds United's dressing room ahead of Cardiff replay
With the directors’ box surrounded by Leeds fans, the likes of Victor Orta and Angus Kinnear will be left with no doubt about how the home faithful is feeling by full-time.
How many changes?
When we were all down in Cardiff 10 days ago Marsch made seven changes to his line-up. The head coach has insisted he would have made more like three or four changes had it not been for some 11th-hour injury issues.
Marsch wants to take this competition seriously and he knows the club needs a win on its copybook. Liam Cooper’s new knee problem means there will be at least one enforced change, but assuming there are no late surprises, there does not seem to be a major need for many more tonight.
Bamford to build?
One of the silver linings to come out of Friday’s loss was the first competitive goal for Patrick Bamford in more than 400 days. Marsch warned he and the medical staff would have to continue to manage the number nine through this latest comeback from injury.
Rodrigo was talked up as a likely starter by Marsch, so it will be interesting to see how much pitch time Bamford is given either alongside the Brazilian or as his replacement from the bench tonight.
Best believe it’s Rutter
The club’s record signing Georginio Rutter will be into his fifth day as a Leeds player when tonight’s match gets going. The Frenchman has had a few days of training at Thorp Arch, but while he’s ineligible to play, he’s expected to be paraded in front of the home support.
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