Good Morning. It's Tuesday 26th November, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road
Referees appear to have lost focus on simulationFormer Premier League referee Keith Hackett has called out Swansea winger Ronald for cheating in the build up for their opening goal against Leeds at the weekend!
The no nonsense ex PGMOL chief called out the young Brazilian, accusing him of simulation leading to the free-kick and Swansea's opening goal. With hindsight of replays, the footage shows that Ronald was already going to ground before contact with Tanaka was made.
Simulation goes unpunished in 99 cases out of a hundred giving professional footballers free licence to bend the rules without consequence. How many times a game do we see players trying to claim a corner or throw-in that isn't theirs - it may seem inconsequential at the time, but not if it distorts the score-line.
According to Hackett
“No. No, I don’t [think there was enough contact]. He [Ronald] is going before he’s actually challenged. “As referees, the game has got to clear its act up and get hold of those players who are cheating.
“These are acts of simulation. Referees appear to have lost focus of it. “Players go down for tactical reasons, players exaggerate the fall. Instead of dribbling with the ball, they go to ground. It’s not a foul for me.”
Will Wober get his chance against HattersMax Wober may get his chance to impress on Wednesday night when Leeds take on Luton Town at Elland Road.
With Junior Firpo suspended, and question marks over whether two matches in four days is still within Sam Byram's capabilities, Leeds boss Daniel Farke has an important decision to make. The versatile 26yo recently returned from International duty not only unscathed, but with 90 valuable minutes under his belt against Slovenia, promoting speculation that he is ready for first team action after injury.
He impressed during his loan spell with Bundesliga outfit Borussia Mönchengladbach last season, but now has some making up to do with the Elland Road faithful. It's important that he is integrated back into the first team, and shares some of the burden put on Pascal Struijk, having played every minute of the league so far this season!
Luton star man ruled out of Leeds clashLuton Town will be without the services of star man Alfie Doughty when they visit Elland Road on Wednesday evening.
The versatile 24yo is set to be out of action until the New Year with ankle ligament damage he picked up in their 1-0 win against Cardiff City earlier this month. His set-pieces and deliveries are an instrumental part of how Luton play.
His absence will severely hamper his side both defensively, and creatively! He has already created 45 chances for the Hatters this season, more than any other player in the Championship. Former Manchester Utd apprentice Teden Mengi (usually a centre-back) is likely to fill in at left-back.
