Monday 24 November 2014

Leeds welcome table-topping Derby to Elland Road after one win in 10.

Leeds United welcome high-flying Derby County to Elland Road, in the hope they can end their 12 game winless streak against the Rams. The Whites haven't beaten Derby since 2005 and Neil Redfearn will be hoping to put that right on Saturday. 

Leeds' last outing was a 2-1 defeat at Blackburn in which Marco Silvestri made yet another mistake, allowing Rovers to pull one back before a dubious penalty decision went against the Whites. Jordan Rhodes tucked away the winner from the spot in a game that Redfearn Leeds deserved the three points, he said: "We deserved to win, that's the bottom line. I didn't think Blackburn deserved anything." 

The loss means United have now managed just one win in their last ten games, a run that will worry all involved with the club. The Whites somehow remain just 10 points from the play-offs but they will be looking over their shoulders intently as they are just two points from the relegation places. 
Derby haven't let their play-off final defeat to QPR get to them as they lead the way in the Championship after 18 games. The Rams are scoring for fun and look a threat in all areas of the pitch with 35 goals (joint highest with Bournemouth) being shared amongst the squad. 

Chris Martin once again leads the way for the Rams with 10 league goals so far this season. The Scottish international bagged an impressive 22 league goals during the last campaign and he is well on the way to beating that this season. 

Derby have lost two in their last 10 games and have suffered defeat just three times all season, beating some of their nearest rivals along the way. The Rams were tipped for automatic promotion at the start of the season and they are on track to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2007/2008. 
Leeds' last win against Derby came in September 2005 when they won 3-1 at Elland Road, thanks to a Rob Hulse hat-trick. In the run of 12 without a win against Derby, United have picked up just two points from their last 11 league meetings with the Rams and the other was a League Cup defeat. 
Leeds looked unbeatable at times against Blackburn but they let themselves down with mistakes and that has been a real problem for the Whites as of late. They have also been on the wrong end of some dubious penalty decisions and Redfearn will be hoping their luck can change on Saturday. 
This is also the Whites first game following the third anniversary of Gary Speed's passing. RIP Speedo. 

Last meeting: May 3, 2014, Leeds United 1-1 Derby County (Smith)
Last five league games: Leeds United LLDWL
Derby County LLWWW
Latest results - Blackburn Rovers 2-1 Leeds United / Watford 1-2 Derby County 

Pictures courtesy of - LeedsUnited.com/Derby Telegraph/The Yorkshire Post/The Guardian 

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