Neil Warnock dropped a massive hint that Davide Somma could start tomorrow's clash with Hull, but surely his work will be cut out on patching up Leeds' leaky defence.
The whites' conceded an astonishing TEN gosls inside seven days as of Boxing Day and even Warnock admits that Hull fans, who saw their side go unbeaten in six with a 0-0 draw with Leicester, should be "rubbing their hands" at the prospect of facing a Leeds backline which was tortured by Billy Sharp and co at Forest.
Warnock clearly has more options up front than at the back. Lee Peltier is expected to sit out again injured. To be honest, I have not been impressed by what I have seen of Peltier this season, however he has played most of it out of position at left back and if he was fit then I would be considering trying him alongside Alan Tate at centre-half. As it stands though, I think Warnock will stick with the same back-four of Byram, Tate, Lee's and Drury.
In midfield, Warnock dropped a massve gaffe in bringing back Rudy Austin early, so my money is on the big-man dropping to the bench. David Norris could return and we may also get the worrying spectacle of Michael Brown as captain again. Credit to the Square Ball fanzine, who have been running a sweepstake on what minute Brown picks up his customary yellpw-card and belated congratulations to the holder of ticket number 33 on Boxing Day.
Amazingly though Brown is not walking the dreaded suspension tightrope of notching up his fifth yellow and receiving a ban. There are four players one-yellow away from a ban including Jason Pearce, Aidy White, Luke Varney and Luciano Becchio.
Becchio arguably is the most likely one at risk as the other three rarely feature. Perhaps this could sway Warnock's teasm selection and Somma, who grabbed United's second at the City Ground could start alongside El Hadji Diouf. Ross McCormack is another option, Warnock stating that the Scot has been "unlucky" to miss out in recent weeks but thi has largely been down to Leeds good run of form.
Hull are expected to be unchanged from the side that drew with Leicester, the draw ending four successive wins for the Tigers. However we will miss out on a reunion with Alex Bruce, who can't be selected for his Dad's side because he is serving he final game of a three match ban.
I just cannot see us getting anything from this one. The Tigers were my dark horses for promotion this year, no matter what we think of Steve Bruce (actually having met him once he is a nice feller!) he does have a reputation for making an initial impact wherever he goes, he has spent money well and got the side within sight of the top-two. Sorry guys, I'm predicting a home win 2-0.