Easter Sunday: Christian festival of sacrifice and redemption, Chocolate bunnies… and a trip to Elland Road?
I caught up with lifelong Leeds fan, Ben Bryant to see what we might have in store, and how Leeds fans are feeling
Q – So Ben, how are Leeds fans feeling at the moment? Confident you will avoid the drop?
BB – I think Leeds fans are optimistic, given the solid start Javi Gracia has made. (3 wins from 6 games, only losing away at Chelsea and Arsenal). Both the results and the wider environment feel much more upbeat.
We do have a tough run in – the last four games include City away, Newcastle and Spurs at home and you don’t’ want to be going into those games in May needing eight points. So, we must make the most of the games in April which include Palace, Leicester and Liverpool at home, Fulham and Bournemouth away. Realistically you’d want eight or more points from that, which would take us to 37 – which would put us in a good position.
TEB – So is Garcia at Leeds beyond this season?
BB – Obviously, a lot will depend on how the tail end of this season goes. I really like how we are playing, what he says, and how the players are speaking about him. Suffice to say Leeds fans feel a lot more optimistic compared with the Marsch era, not least seeing players like Jack Harrison starting to thrive. The fact Harrison has just signed a new 5-year deal is also hugely symbolic. It was a sliding doors moment as he very nearly went to Leicester at the end of January. If it were up to me, I’d be happy with Garcia staying but there is a looming takeover by the San Francisco 49ers owners, so we’ll have to see on the model they want to bring in.
Q – So who is going down?
BB – Very tough to call. In previous year there have been 1-2 teams who were dead and buried by this stage, last year Norwich and Watford fell adrift. If I had to put some names forward, I’d say I was most worried for Bournemouth (who Leeds have history with – see the ‘Bank Holiday Mayhem’ escapade), Southampton and sorry to say but Leicester – the sacking of Rogers was just too late to make a difference, especially without a replacement lined up.
Q – So who’s the player that will make the difference in keeping you up?
BB – Several players have contributed at different times, earlier in the season Adams was the one consistent factor. More recently Gnonto has stood out as a difference maker, great attributes, and a winning attitude. A lower key shout out to Robin Koch who has been quietly consistent and also to Junior Firpo, who I (and other Leeds fans) used to absolutely rinse but who know looks like a transformed player under Garcia.
Q- To the game on Sunday, what’s your prediction?
BB – We’re on quite a good run, but I find it hard to know how Palace will look or play given the return of Roy. But we will have been targeting this as a game to win, so the optimist in me will suggest both teams to score but Leeds to edge it.
Thanks Ben! Here’s to a cracker on Sunday.
