Marching On Together Leeds United Podcast: Christmas Special
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00:00Hello and welcome back to the Marching On Together Leeds United podcast. Well, Merry Christmas one and all
00:06it is the season of goodwill and
00:10To give presents and Leeds gave the present of three points didn't they in their home match
00:17Against Oxford at the weekend a 4-0 win quite comprehensive. Obviously Oxford
00:23Struggling a little bit in the championship having only come up from League One
00:27In the summer, so I mean it was a game we expected them to win
00:31But we also said it could be a potential bananas game given that they just sacked the manager
00:34And you never know how teams will react after that
00:36So it was one where Leeds still had to be a bit cautious, but they blew them away really didn't they?
00:41It never looked in without. No, they delivered on Christmas and the Christmas gift arrived
00:47But it was kind of like the Christmas gift that you expected, you know
00:50And you sort of like know what you're getting for Christmas and sort of like, you know
00:52You're happy when you get it
00:54But then obviously if you know if you get something else and he disappointed
00:57It was it felt a bit like that because almost like they're on a sort of hide-and-seek
01:00Nothing because anything but a convincing victory, not just a victory, but anything but a convincing victory
01:05You know, and there would have been moans and groans even if they had won 1-0
01:08I imagine or 2-0 or something like that
01:09But you know, fair play to them and you know
01:12This was a bit of topic, a bit of conversation about this before the game amongst various people at the moment
01:17Which is like it feels like Leeds are getting quite a bit, not about stick, but criticism and stuff, you know
01:22And the bottom line is they are in the automatic promotion places
01:26Which end of the day, if the season finishes now, it's happy days, you know
01:29Albeit it's a very, very slight advantage they've got
01:31But yeah, that kept them on track and you know, it's amazing
01:34Nine home wins in succession
01:35I mean, that's a fantastic record
01:37Obviously, you know, that's not the record far from it, especially when you go back to the League One days
01:42But obviously talking inferior opposition there
01:43But, you know, no disrespect to Oxford, but that's what this was really
01:47It was inferior opposition
01:48It was a complete mismatch, basically
01:50And I think we said before, Andy, this could be like a team that's going up to the Premier League
01:54Against a team that's sort of fighting to stay in the championship
01:56Whether they go back to League One or not, we'll wait and see
01:59Obviously, they only came up last season
02:00But I mean, it did look like that, really
02:03And, you know, the good thing was that Leeds not only got the victory, but also got a few goals
02:06And that's good, obviously, not just from an entertainment point of view
02:09And the fans want to see that
02:10But basically, that's good for the goal difference, you know
02:12And it might well come down to that
02:15And Leeds' goal difference is looking pretty good at the moment
02:17So, look, it were 4-0, but the stats say it all
02:2023 shots compared to six from Oxford
02:22Nine on target, Oxford didn't have one
02:25So, I mean, you know, like you say in black and white
02:28And to be honest, 4-0, it probably could and should have been five, six or seven, really
02:32Ramazani came on and squandered two very, very good chances
02:36But, you know, basically, that's much more like it
02:38And they got the job done, I say much more like it
02:39It's sort of like normal service continuing at Ellen Road
02:42As I say, nine wins on the spin
02:44So, you know, a good day all around
02:45Obviously, Ethan Ampadu made his full return
02:48Slotted in seamlessly, you know
02:50Obviously, coming in for Pascal Stroik, who did make the bench
02:53So, I don't think Pascal's too bad
02:55I think Daniel Farke just said it would be a bit of a risk to sort of play him after having a tight hamstring
02:59But Ampadu's obviously one of Leeds' best players and most important players
03:02He's a club captain
03:03He slotted in seamlessly
03:04He'll obviously get better because he's been out for a while, you know
03:07As each game goes by, he'll get better
03:09But didn't look particularly rusty to me
03:12And, you know, lots of good performances, really
03:14And, I mean, man of the match, I think, generally speaking
03:16was probably shared between, sort of, in the vote, Manor Solomon and Dan James
03:19But probably Solomon more for his second half display and Dan James first half
03:23But Dan James, we've talked about him loads on here
03:26He's just, when he's on song and he's in the groove, he's just a fantastic player
03:30So quick and pacey and stuff
03:31And he was amazing in the first half, just caused all sorts of bother
03:34So, yeah, good day all around, really
03:36The only sour point, I suppose, was the fact that you looked at the results
03:39as they were coming in and everybody else won
03:42So, obviously, you get a bit disappointed when you, sort of, probably win
03:45And then you look at the table and it looks exactly the same as it did before you kicked off
03:49But all that means is, like, it would have looked even worse had they not won
03:52So they had to get it done
03:54Like I say, they were expected to win
03:55They did get the business done
03:57And, you know, one thing is for sure
03:59Although everybody won that weekend, you know, in terms of everybody in top four
04:03That definitely won't be the case on Boxing Day
04:06Because there's some rather juicy fixtures
04:08where it's one way the other teams are going to drop points
04:10So all they can do at the moment is, you know,
04:13keep looking after their own business at home, which they're doing
04:15And then it comes down to the away form, which we'll come on to in a separate topic
04:19But, yeah, that's what you call job done, really
04:22And you can't ask for any more than that
04:25Home win, clean sheet, four goals
04:28Happy Christmas
04:29Well, very much so, yeah
04:31And it leaves them in a position where...
04:34Is it quite satisfying that they're second, not first?
04:40Obviously, you've got Sheffield United, who are a little bit ahead of them, obviously
04:43And they have had two deducted points as well
04:45So they actually could be further ahead
04:47Yeah, yeah
04:48You've got the likes of Burning Sun and, you know, like a few points back
04:50So do you think Leeds fans are happy with where they are?
04:54Would they like to...
04:54I mean, obviously, everyone would like to be first
04:56But do you think fans would prefer them to be first?
04:58Given some of the results they've missed out on this season as well
05:02Yeah, I know where you're coming from
05:04Because, obviously, if you are in first place, it brings a new pressure, doesn't it?
05:08Because, you know, yes, you are obviously top of the table
05:10But then, obviously, you're the team that everybody's gunning for
05:12And we saw last season how brilliant Leeds were when they were third, you know
05:16In the chase down Leicester and Ipswich
05:17It was absolutely phenomenal
05:18I mean, you think this time last year they were like double digits, double figures behind them
05:22I mean, it's amazing, really
05:24But, no, I think they would rather be top, obviously
05:26And I think, you know, I don't know about should be top
05:30I asked Ethan Ampadu about this when I spoke to him in a recent interview over Christmas
05:33I said, do you feel like you should be a bit higher and have a few more points on the board?
05:37And I think, generally speaking, that is the case
05:39But, you know, he sort of said, well, there's no point thinking about ifs, buts and maybes, is there?
05:43It's about moving on to the next game
05:44But we've done one after every single game
05:46You think about some of the games like the ridiculous ending at Sunderland
05:49You know, the draw at the start of the season against Portsmouth
05:51Like just, you know, various games where they should have got more than they got
05:54But they are where they are
05:57I think, you know, and obviously everybody wants to go up as champions
06:00But the main thing is just finishing the top two
06:03Don't get in them playoffs
06:04You know, nobody wants that again
06:06And my only worry at the moment with it all is, obviously, you know, the home form's superb
06:12The two worries are really the away form
06:13But I think that, I expect and think that will get better as we'll come on to
06:18I expect that will improve
06:20The other worry is that, yes, you know, I think everybody would be happy with where they are
06:23on the table
06:24But it's that gap, you know
06:25The gap is, well, two gaps are so, so small
06:28Back to Burnley and also Sunderland
06:30Obviously, got a bit of relief at the weekend with Blackburn losing
06:33Because they were really coming up the rails, obviously, in terms of like, you know
06:36And all of a sudden Leeds' defeat there didn't look too bad then, obviously
06:40On the back of, you know, how they've improved
06:43But yeah, I think it's just the gap is too small, basically
06:46That's it
06:46And, you know, obviously, you just want to make sure you're in touch
06:49But I think come, you know, sort of January, February, whatever
06:53But after last year's shenanigans, they don't want to just be in touch Leeds
06:57They want to be first or second with a decent buffer
07:00You know, nobody wants a sort of white-knuckle rollercoaster ride again in March, April
07:04Scrambling around for the top two
07:06And at the moment, it's a bit too close for comfort
07:08So that's really like where these next games come into it
07:11I mean, it's going to be huge of all these games that come in thick and fast
07:13But yeah, as I say, you know, well, I don't know about should be top
07:17Because that's probably a disservice to Chef United
07:20You know, they've done very, very well
07:21And you're quite right, Daniel, as well
07:22They have had two deducted as well
07:23So they are on paper the best team in the championship at the moment
07:27I mean, that's just there in black and white
07:29You know, like you can't argue with that
07:30You can argue with it and say, well, on the day, Leeds might be better
07:34This, that and the other
07:35But on the results, they're not, you know
07:37Because obviously, consistency, Chef United are there
07:39Yes, they got blitzed at Ellen Road
07:40And, you know, there was a massive gulf between the two sides on that day, that night
07:45But at the moment, the blades are the ones to catch
07:48And I think it's hard to call, really
07:51Leeds are odds on favourites to win the league
07:53Still around about four to six, four to seven with some firms
07:56And Chef, you're about threes now
07:57I think they got a little bit short after the takeover
08:00But I wouldn't have that much between the two sides, to be honest
08:03I don't know about you
08:04I mean, I think it'd be very, very hard to call, really, out of those two sides
08:08And this is on the assumption that it's going to be Leeds and Chef United
08:11First and second in whatever order
08:13And that is far from a foregone conclusion either with Burnley and Sunderland in there
08:18So, yeah, I think you've got to be satisfied with where they are
08:21But it could and should be better and hopefully will get better
08:24But for that to happen, these next games will have to go according to plan
08:28Well, that's very much the case, yes
08:30And we'll get on to those other games in just a moment as well
08:33But we wanted to mention Brendan Aronson
08:35Because, of course, he's an interesting character, isn't he, for Leeds
08:38Given the fact that...
08:39And I know we've done, like, sort of segments on this podcast about him before as well
08:44Sort of the fact that he left
08:46Well, actually, he came to Leeds and then left
08:48And now he's come back this season
08:50Having spent, obviously, a lot of time away on loan
08:53And now he's really starting to find his feet
08:55And, I mean, I think it was obvious that the ability was always there
08:57But, obviously, there was certainly some ill feeling
09:00Given the fact of what went on in terms of, you know, not really wanting to play
09:03But he's trying to get out, essentially, after the relegation
09:06But now, as I say, he is finding his feet at the club
09:08He looks happy
09:09He's playing well
09:11And, of course, getting amongst the goals as he did on Saturday as well
09:15So, yeah, could he be one for the long term at Leeds?
09:19I mean, he's not exactly that old, is he?
09:21Oh, no, absolutely not
09:22Yeah, 100% he can be
09:24Yeah, I mean, in terms of, like, obviously, the first, sort of, I think, obvious concern
09:28People have with him was his physicality, you know
09:30That, like, especially the Championship, you know
09:32Like, how much would he live up to, sort of, cope with the rough and tumble of the Championship, really
09:36And there is still that sort of worry
09:38But, I mean, it's definitely been better on that front
09:41He still does, you know, obviously, you know
09:42He is going to get knocked down a lot and stuff, you know what I mean
09:44Because of his size and stuff and that
09:46But I think he's dealing with that a little bit better than expected
09:48I think the problem this season, really, has been end product for him, you know
09:52There's been too many times where he's been, like, through on goal
09:54Or, you know, not even necessarily through on goal
09:57But, like, you know, presented with a good chance to, sort of, set someone up for an easy
10:01For a nice, for a neat finish or whatever
10:03And that hasn't always been there
10:04But you say that
10:05And, obviously, you know, he did score in the game against Oxford
10:08And that took him on to six goals for the season
10:10And that made him, at that point, anyway, obviously, other games to come
10:13Leads his second-top scorer so far this season
10:16Which, obviously, you know, it's not a huge figure, six
10:18But to be second-top scorer
10:19But that does show, equally, that Leeds are sharing the goals around
10:21Which is, obviously, good as well
10:24But, yeah, I mean, obviously, look, you know
10:25When he left on the loan relegation, loan exit clause
10:29Obviously, lots of grumbles about that, understandably
10:32When he came back, there were, obviously, you know
10:34You have the whole sort of thing, like, you know
10:35Once you don't want to put, you know
10:36If you leave the club and stuff
10:37We don't want you back, this, that and the other
10:38I get all that
10:39And it was always going to be, you know, a rough ride
10:41But I think, you know, bit by bit
10:43He's sort of, like, you know, sort of
10:45The fans have taken to heart a bit more now and stuff
10:47And he definitely is now one of the more popular players
10:49I think, definitely
10:50I still think there's question marks about the number 10 role at Leeds
10:53Because, obviously, it looks like he
10:55Well, he is almost the only choice at the moment
10:57It seems like every single week, like, Daniel Farker plays him at the number 10
11:00But Daniel Farker's, obviously, a big fan of him
11:03But I think he'll continue to get better as well
11:04You know, as you say, he's not old
11:06He's 24
11:07Leeds also paid a lot of money for him at ÂŁ25 million
11:10So, you know, he is a very, very big player for Leeds
11:13There's no doubt about that
11:13And I think the one thing that everybody thought and knew
11:15Is when he came back in the summer
11:17And it was obvious that he was coming back for the championship campaign
11:20You're quite right, as you said when you introduced it
11:22Everybody knows, like, the lad's got talent, you know
11:25So I think everybody looked at it and thought, look
11:28He should be a real hit in the championship
11:30I mean, you know, basically Leeds signed him to play in the Premier League
11:33You know, ÂŁ25 million or there or thereabouts
11:35So, you know, you would definitely expect him to be able to do it in the championship
11:39Which he is starting to do now
11:41So, yeah, six goals
11:42Obviously, he's got assists as well and stuff
11:44But it does feel like he's gradually having more and more of an impact on game
11:48And now it's just getting that real end product and stuff
11:50And spare a thought for him at Christmas as well
11:52Because Graham Smith, our chief reporter, spoke to him and stuff
11:54And he sort of said that, basically, what was his Christmas looking like?
11:57And he said, basically, well, I'm on my own
11:58It's me, myself and I
12:00Have nobody else here over Christmas and stuff
12:02So, yeah, but I mean, I think fair play to him
12:04He said that's what it's like as a professional footballer
12:06And I'm sure he won't be short of invites come Christmas and stuff
12:09So, a good end to the year for him, hopefully
12:11And the bottom line with him is, especially at his age, there should be a lot more to come
12:15But he is a very, very important player for Leeds, no doubt about that
12:18And hopefully, he'll get better with confidence as well
12:21And hopefully the only way is up for him, yeah
12:24Yeah, no, that's definitely it
12:26I think he's one where it was always going to take time to sort of forgive
12:30From Leeds fans' point of view in terms of like what happened
12:33But the only way he could do that is by performing on the pitch
12:36And that is exactly what he is doing now
12:39Of course, we mentioned earlier that Leeds are, you know, that they're winning at home
12:43Winning handsomely at home, winning a lot of games at home
12:46But what's to come is, over the festive period, just after Christmas
12:51It's a couple of away games
12:53Now, Leeds haven't been great away from home
12:56We've mentioned this far too many times
12:58That that's what's letting them down a little bit this season
13:00And that's probably why they aren't on top of the league
13:02When they possibly could be
13:03They're failing away from home
13:05Firstly, we've got Stoke and then we've got Derby
13:09So we'll start with Stoke
13:11Yeah
13:12Now, it's, I mean, there's the cliche
13:14What is it? A cold night, windy night at Stoke
13:18That could be the case, to be honest, given the way, you know, it is winter
13:21And so can Leeds defy the stereotypes and go there
13:26And not only, you know, go against the cold and wet, windy night at Stoke
13:30And can they also sort out their own away form?
13:32Can they do it on a cold, cold boxing day night in Stoke?
13:36It will be this, obviously, 8pm kickoff
13:38I mean, I want to really get your head around that
13:40This is basically, it feels like sort of like the acid test, really, for Leeds
13:44You know, now, I mean, obviously, you've talked about their away form
13:47And so the first thing to say is that Daniel Farquhar said this a few times
13:50He's kind of defended the away record
13:51And I kind of get where he's coming from
13:53I think, as we record this now, ahead of the game
13:55They're eighth in the Championship away table
13:57Which, you know, isn't too bad
13:59But equally, it isn't absolutely fantastic
14:01And you're absolutely right
14:02That's the reason, quite simply, why they're not top of the division
14:05Because your away form hasn't been quite good enough
14:07And speaking to a few of the players at the Leeds Children's Hospital visit
14:12It was pretty much sort of like admitted that the squad weren't happy
14:14With your away form and needed improving on
14:16And it does
14:16And basically, I feel like they've got to go into these next two games now
14:19And get six points, you know
14:20And that's what it's all about
14:21And obviously, you deal with one of them first, which is Stoke
14:24And they've got to go there and win
14:26I mean, it's a massive, massive opportunity
14:27This because, obviously, the table could look very, very differently
14:31In terms of the fixtures
14:32Because, obviously, you've got a massive game at 3pm of Sheffield United v Burnley
14:35So, one of those two is going to drop points
14:37But both can't take three points, obviously
14:39So, one way or the other, the table's going to look, you know
14:40There's going to be an opening for Leeds when they kick off at Stoke at 8pm
14:44And, you know, they've got to...
14:46They should be going there and getting a win, basically
14:49I mean, let's not beat around the bushes
14:51Obviously, one of those games you look at
14:52I think that could be a tough game there
14:54But when you actually look at it on paper
14:56I think it will be a tough game
14:57But Stoke have got the troubles, you know
14:58The 19th in the table, the 19th in the home table
15:01So, it's not like they've got...
15:01It's not like it's a fortress ground as such
15:04Three wins at home all season
15:06Four points off the drop zone
15:08Eight games, no win now
15:09And four of those are draws
15:10And, obviously, they have a defeat at Sheffield Wednesday
15:12And they've got a manager under pressure
15:14So, you know, it's all sort of pointing in Leeds' favour
15:17You could sort of say the championship being the championship
15:19That means they'll go there and get beat, you know
15:21And I kind of get that, you know
15:22That's what the championship's like
15:23But I just feel like that it almost feels like...
15:27And also speaking to Daniel Farker and the players
15:29You get the sense there's a real mentality
15:31That they know they've got to go and get...
15:33Sort this away for them out now
15:34Especially in this first game
15:36And it sounds like, you know
15:36They're leaving no stone unturned in the preparation
15:40The squad are travelling down actually on Christmas Day
15:43And staying over on Christmas Day night by the sounds of it
15:45So, I mean, you know, like obviously
15:46No sort of Christmas Day with the family for the players
15:49They're in Christmas Eve as well
15:51You know, Leeds have got injuries
15:53But not too bad, particularly
15:55And so Stoke have got a lot of injuries
15:57Look, everything should point to them going there and getting this done
16:00And there's no doubt about it
16:01They're not, you know
16:02Like Daniel Farker always says
16:03Everybody can read the fixtures
16:04And everybody can look at the table
16:05The players will look at the table
16:06And look at the fixtures
16:07They'll know, Sheff, you were playing Burnley
16:09And let's not beat around the bush
16:10They'll know this is a massive, massive chance
16:12To sort of seriously improve their position in the league table
16:15Whichever way that may be
16:17Yeah, it's...
16:18I mean, the away form in black and white
16:20Like it's not too bad over the whole season
16:22But was it one win in seven...
16:24One win in the last seven away from home
16:26That ain't good enough
16:27I think it's seven points out of the last possible 21
16:31That ain't good enough really
16:32For a team that's wanting to get all-night promotion
16:34And basically the reason why they're eighth in the table
16:37Away from home at the moment
16:38Is because of the...
16:38More because of the earlier season results
16:40Obviously that run's coming on the back of away wins
16:42So it's time now to get back on an upward curve away from home
16:47We quite often do these...
16:48You know, we always do these
16:49Obviously in previous games
16:50I fully expect Leeds to go there and win, to be honest
16:52There's some games...
16:53Some away games I go to where I sort of feel like, you know
16:56It's an away game, this, that and the other
16:58Especially with the away record of late
16:59But I just think also...
17:00I don't know about...
17:01They've been unlucky away from home of late
17:03But, you know, they have had lots and lots of chances
17:06You know, and they just haven't taken them
17:07And you've had like...
17:08I think you've had other factors
17:09Like awful refereeing decisions
17:10And this, that and the other and stuff
17:12But it's all very well saying that
17:13Like it's all got to add up now
17:15And, you know, they've got to go there and get a victory
17:17And, you know, unless something sort of like, you know
17:20Crazy happens in terms of like a really bad decision
17:22Or a horrendous error
17:23I fully expect them to go there and win
17:24Their odds on the 4-7, 1-2
17:26Which is short, but I can understand why
17:28So massive, massive game
17:31You know, the away form is massively in the spotlight
17:33And they need to go there and win
17:34So that it's less in the spotlight
17:36But even then it's not job done
17:37Because they're not beyond to Derby
17:39Exactly, and that's what we'll come to now
17:40Derby County
17:42Two...
17:43Well, obviously we mentioned Stoke, Australia and Derby
17:45Well, they're not much better
17:46I mean, perhaps a little bit
17:47But not a lot better in the championship
17:50So again, I think obviously the games they've lost
17:53Away from home this season
17:54Have perhaps been more difficult fixtures
17:57Millwall, you could argue
18:00Blackburn, certainly
18:01So you can sort of let them off a little bit
18:03But for the most part
18:05And your draw against Bristol City
18:07That's probably something you should be looking to win
18:10Sunderland, you were seconds from three points
18:15Of course, we all know what happened there with Elan Mellier
18:17And then there are others as well
18:19Obviously you have had some good wins
18:22Which brings to mind
18:23But even that wasn't exactly simple or straightforward
18:26And so going to Derby after that on the 29th
18:32As you say there, the Boxing Day fixtures are as such
18:34That Leeds could be in a really good position
18:36If things go their way
18:37And then it's about them building on that
18:39And because you think if you can get one away win
18:41You can go and get another
18:42Then suddenly your waveform is completely fixed
18:43And everyone's like
18:45Everyone's going into the new year, you know
18:46Hunky-dory
18:47And suddenly Leeds don't have an away issue
18:49All of a sudden
18:51But that's easier said than done
18:53So again, it's the same sort of question
18:56It's hard to predict this one
18:57Because of course, we don't know what's happened yet at Stoke
19:01And of course, if they go to Stoke and lose
19:03Well, you'll feel less confident
19:04If they go there and draw
19:05You'll think possibly the same thing could happen
19:06But if you go there and win
19:08Well, you think they'll go there and win as well
19:09So it really depends on what happens at Stoke, doesn't it?
19:13I think so, yeah
19:13It's very hard to predict
19:14Obviously, I had speaking before that game
19:16But the one thing you can say with this game
19:18Is that Leeds have only just played Derby
19:19Obviously at Ellen Road
19:20And put simply, if the two teams play like they both played in that game
19:24There'll only be one winner
19:25And it won't matter where they're playing it
19:26Whether it's at Ellen Road or at Derby or on Mars
19:29You know, it wouldn't really matter
19:30Because there was so much between the two
19:32There was so much between the two sides that day
19:33It was unbelievable and stuff
19:35And Paul Warren was like, you know, said
19:37Derby manager, like, you know
19:38He seems like a really good guy
19:39He was sort of very, very honest afterwards
19:40And admitted there was a massive golfing class and stuff
19:43And I think he sort of said before his presser started
19:45Right, come on, let's get this over and done with
19:47He just wanted to get out of there, basically
19:48Because he knew they'd been absolutely blown away
19:50And, you know, I sort of watched that game
19:51And thought, you know, I'd be worried about Derby
19:53But then the thing is with Derby
19:54And this is probably the championship in a nutshell
19:56But probably maybe also Derby
19:58They then followed that with three good results
19:59Well, sorry, two good results
20:00And then one, you know, heartbreaking late defeat
20:03I mean, they played Burnley away straight after the Leeds game
20:05And you would have thought that was an absolute banker
20:07For Burnley at Turf Moor
20:09They got a nil-nil draw there
20:10Then the blitz, Portsmouth four-nil
20:12And then they were one-nil up at Luton
20:14Until losing, you know, conceding two goals
20:16Right at the death
20:16So obviously they'll have to bounce back from that
20:18They've also, again, whilst we say a lot depends
20:20On how Leeds do against Stoke
20:22A lot depends also on how they do
20:23They play on Boxing Day against West Brom at home
20:25So they've got, whereas Leeds have got back-to-back aways
20:28Derby have got back-to-back home games
20:29So they'll maybe look at that and sort of think, you know
20:31Is this a chance to sort of try and the table
20:33They've not got a terrible home record
20:35It's not, you know, one of the best in the division by any means
20:38It's sort of like roundabout mid-table-ish in terms of that
20:40But yeah, you're right, though
20:42Like you look at the away fixtures
20:43That Leeds have, you know, not got three points from
20:46Largely have been, you know, teams that are pretty good at home
20:48Or whatever and stuff
20:49And it's another game that should be going there
20:51And getting three points from realistically and stuff
20:53I mean, you know, the away form's in massive focus
20:56And, you know, obviously if they're getting three points
20:57At places like that, the quicker they get
20:59And the better it is and the better the away form looks
21:01So yeah, difficult one, though
21:03Because I think you'd look to that derby game at Ellen Road
21:05And you would look at this again
21:05And think they should go there and get a victory
21:07But, you know, they've obviously evidently
21:08Sort of like had a bit of a bounce back from that
21:10So maybe not quite as straightforward as it seems
21:13I wouldn't say anything about like, you know
21:15Maybe it'd be more difficult than Stoke or whatever
21:17Because we're recording this before Stoke
21:18So it's hard to say
21:20But in dealing with each game
21:21Basically, I think if you look at those two away games
21:23It should be going there and winning both
21:25So you're right, you've nailed it basically
21:27If they go to Stoke and win
21:29Then you'd expect them to go and back it up
21:30And get another win
21:31If they go to Stoke and don't win
21:32Or even get a draw
21:34Then it puts even more pressure on there
21:36And going and winning at derby
21:37But, you know, the 11 against 11
21:39The squad's on paper and stuff
21:42You know, they should be able to go there
21:43And get the job done
21:43And you're right, the focus is on the away form
21:46And they've got the fixtures there
21:47No disrespect to the opposition to be able to do it
21:49So now let's go there and get the job done
21:50And, you know, hopefully end the year in style
21:53Before back to Elland Road on New Year's Day
21:55Against Blackburn
21:56Indeed, yes
21:57And as you say there
21:59In both cases, on paper
22:01Leeds should win each game easily
22:03But of course, football isn't played on paper
22:04It's played on grass
22:05Absolutely
22:07And of course, on grass away from Elland Road
22:09Leeds haven't been the best
22:10So it's perhaps too early to call on both of them
22:14To be honest
22:14And it just turns out
22:15It just matters as to which Leeds turn up on both days
22:19Because the best that Leeds can be
22:21They'll win the games
22:22If they're below that then, well
22:25You can scrape points
22:26But really they need to be just as good as we know they can be
22:29Yeah, and starting well in both games is key
22:32And ultimately taking the chances
22:34Because, as I say, you can go through all of the away games
22:36Not necessarily every single one
22:38But the majority of the away games
22:39When you watch it back
22:40They've had the chances to win
22:41And the ones they haven't won
22:42And it's because they've missed chances
22:44They always will create chances with the team they've got
22:46And they've got good wingers coming out of their ears
22:48You know, and stuff
22:49So they're always going to create chances
22:51And you'd think they would at both
22:52So it's going to be down to starting well
22:54Taking the chances
22:56As is the case in any game
22:57You know, contentious decisions or lack of, hopefully
23:00And then individual mistakes
23:02You know, like we've seen like Melies at Sunderland
23:03You don't want anything like that and stuff
23:05But I mean, obviously, if all goes to plan
23:07They should be able to go to both games and win
23:09But this is the football
23:11This is the championship
23:12And you never really know
23:12So, yeah, buckle up and see how Leeds United's away form
23:16Goes over these next two games
23:18I mean, obviously, last year, it was absolutely awful
23:19I mean, we had the Preston away game on Boxing Day
23:21Where Melies got sent off
23:23And then you had West Brom away
23:24And it was basically no points out of a possible six
23:26And I spoke to Ethan Ampadu about that
23:28You know, when I interviewed him at the Christmas visit
23:31The children's hospital visit
23:32And I said, basically, about that
23:33He said, well, basically, this year
23:35If you're comparing it to last year
23:36We're going to try and do the complete opposite
23:38So that's the words of the captain
23:41So now let's go and do it
23:43Indeed, yes
23:44Well, let's hope Leeds can bring some festive cheer
23:47To those who are, well, I would say at Elland Road
23:49But obviously, they won't be at Elland Road
23:51But either in the away ends or supporting on from home
23:54Thank you all very much for listening and for watching
23:56Have a lovely Christmas
23:57And we will see you all very soon