Good Morning. It's Tuesday 4th April, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road…
Gracia - Rodrigo is not in the best conditionSpeaking during his pre match press, Leeds interim Manager Javi Gracia commented that Rodrigo is not in the best condition. Whether this means he's carrying a knock, or has not regained full fitness following his latest injury isn't clear. Many were surprised to see the 31yo benched last weekend at Arsenal, prompting speculation that he was being saved for the Forest match tonight! Does this mean that Gracia is going to use him sparingly over Leeds remaining matches.
Rodrigo is trying to make a big effort to help the team. Maybe he's not in the best condition but he tries. The same way as the rest of the players. All of them have the clear, collective objective: to remain in the Premier League.
]Must win tonightFormer Leeds and England striker Brian Deane has labelled tonight’s game against Nottingham Forest as a must win. The 55 year old, who was born and raised in the City, believes that anything less than three points tonight will mean that they'll need to turn over Crystal Palace at the weekend, who after a dire run, have started to hit a bit of form.
Forest have the joint-worst away record in the Premier League. They have collected just one win and amassed six points on the road this season. Only West Ham have equalled their dismal away record, although Forest have scored a mere four goals away from the City Ground, and leaked 32 goals. Unfortunately Leeds home record is not much better. Apart from the Saints game, Leeds have not won at home since beating Bournemouth back in early November.
Speaking exclusively with the Breakfast Debate, Deano said…
I think it’s a must win. In order for Premier League survival you have to beat, or at least pick up points from the teams around you, otherwise you’re in trouble. If Leeds don’t win tonight, they will need three points at the weekend [against Crystal Palace].
Gracia tight-lipped about injury duoJavi Gracia remained tight-lipped about Leeds injury concerns ahead of tonight's match from Elland Road. Wilfred Gnonto and Max Wober picked up knocks whilst on International duty, and missed the Arsenal game last weekend. 72 hours later, it's difficult to see that much would have changed. The pair have arguable been two of Leeds most influential players this season, and with such importance on tonight's result, will Gracia risk playing them?
About injured players, I prefer not to say anything. You know our situation isn't good, all the medical staff and injured players are working really hard to recover. But in two or three days, things do not change a lot. We have to prepare for the game with the players we have.
