It's back to matters on the pitch after all the excitement off it yesterday, the dawning of a new era begins with a crunch Championship clash with high riding Middlesbrough.

Boro finally seem to be getting their act together and it will be a chance to say hello again to an old favourite Jonathan Woodgate, who was returned for a second spell with his hometown club. It was the sale of Woodgate just under a decade ago to Newcastle which signalled to many that we were heading for financial meltdown. Woodgate has only been back to Leeds once as a player since that fateful day, playing in the 2003/04 curtain raiser a 2-2 draw with Newcastle and like then I am sure he will get a fantastic reception from our fans.

Warnock will have to rally his men following Wednesday night's disaster in the Capital One cup. The withdrawal of Jereome Thomas when we went 3-1 down was an indicator that Warnock wants the West Brom loan man to start. Michael Brown made a shock start against Chelsea, but may drop out to accommodate a return for David Norris. Michael Tonge plays his final game before returning to Stoke tonight but both player and club have indicated at a reunion in the New Year.

At the back, Alan Tate who was cup tied midweek is certain to come back and I think Jason Pearce will make way to accommodate the Easongton born defender's return. A mini-debate was raging in the post match moan-in on Wednesday night about Lee Peltier occupying the left-back slot, clearly an unnatural position and one he is struggling in. However I think Warnock will stand by his captain and leave him in that role.

It will be a tough encounter and it remains to be seen if both players and fans can lift themselves after Wednesday and what impact the completion of the takeover will have on the psyche of the club, however I think we will have to be content with either a 0-0 or 1-1 draw.

Photo: Action Images

Port Vale Polls