x

Leeds Preview

Swans Aim To Halt Leeds Run

Leeds v Swansea - Match Preview

Hold your hands up and admit it. When the fixtures were released in June you looked to see who we would face first and then scanned the list to see when we faced Leeds both home and away. It is by far the biggest draw of this league season and the one that was always likely to attract much interest.

With a travelling support that could exceed 2500 it will be a great atmosphere at the game - much of the Swansea support won't be quiet on away trips and ten times as many Leeds fans are likely to create some noise themselves. And with the home side having wiped their 15 point penalty, and some more, in the first 6 games of the season they have every right to believe that maybe they can produce not just the improbable but the impossible along with it.

The Swans, for their part are on great form with three straight wins and are in the play off positions having moved to 4th place with the midweek win over Cheltenham. With two home games to follow - Brighton and Swindon - a positive result at Leeds could really shape their destiny for the next 7 months let alone the next few games.

A 7th win for Leeds will, I am told, set a club record for consecutive wins at the front end of the season although, on the opposite hand, a defeat could see them return to the bottom of the league despite that fantastic start.

The Swans have been dealt a blow with the absence of both Leon Britton and Andy Robinson for the game but it will give both Paul Anderson and Tom Butler I assume a chance to stake their claim for a place in the starting line-up on a more permanent basis. Marcos Painter is an almost certainty to return to the first Xi himself whilst it would be incredible if Ferrie Bodde is left out now that he has returned from his three match ban.

Throw all of that into the mix and you get the following predicted starting line-up

Doris

Rangel Monk Lawrence Painter

Butler Pratley Bodde Anderson

Scotland Duffy

I guess there will be some question marks over the predicted line up but I really cant see Pratley being left out which I suspect many would do.

Leeds are without captain Alan Thompson but Tore Andre Flo is expected to feature from the bench.

Midfielder Curtis Weston (ankle) is fit after playing for the reserves.

So what does the future hold for this game. I suspect that many Swans fans would take a point if it were offered before the match and I am not any different. However, I just have this sneaky feeling that we may edge this one by the odd goal in three. Let's hope so anyway.

WHO ARE WE?

What are your thoughts? Share your views on the Message Board

150,000 visitors creating 3 million impressions a month can't be wrong.........

What to read next:

Saints Announce Ticket Pricing Information For Play Off Semi Final
The opponents won't be known until Saturday afternoon, but Southampton FC have announced their ticket pricing structure and how the tickets will be sold to give supporters plenty of time to sort their tickets out.
Time For The Spirit Of Southampton Football Club
Recent months have seen a number of events and issues divide opinion and split the supporter base but as we head towards the play offs it is time for everyone at Saints to kick in the same direction.
Should Russell Martin Put Out Another Reserve Side For Leeds United Trip
Against Stoke City Russell martin selected a side that was very much a second string line up, with the play offs looming should the manager repeat this for the trip to take on Leeds on Saturday.
A Rough Guide To Leeds United
A big big game for just Leeds now, although by Saturday the odds on them going up automatically might have changed slightly so here is all the info for those travelling Saints fans who are still going,
Southampton Should Not Fear Anyone In The Play Offs.
The hope of getting back into the Premier League automatically has long gone, but the season is not yet over and we now have a good chance of getting to Wembley and going up through the play offs, here we look at who we could meet.
Southampton V Stoke City The Verdict
This should have been a celebratory day for Saints fans, there should have been a feeling of positivity, but the truth is that the fight has been knocked out of the supporter base and we go into the play offs with confidence both on and off the pitch at a low ebb.
Southampton 0 - 1 Stoke City - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Saints V Stoke City A Look Back In Pictures 2
In the second part of our pictorial look back at some of our games against Stoke City from the past, here we look back at more recent games, so most of you would have been at them.
Saints V Stoke City A Look Back In Pictures
We have looked through our photo archives for a look back as some games against Stoke City over the years, what are your memories of these games ?
Southampton V Stoke City The Preview
Saints go into the last two games of the season with their hopes of automatic promotion ended, even the hope of finishing 3rd is only a point away from being ended, but they do have something to play for and that is getting back the togetherness, character & fight Russell Martin has recently be moaned.