July 11 2006

Shaun Derry

This season promises to be a vital season in the history of Leeds United, writes Danny Hayes.

A successful season could see Leeds resurrected amongst the big boys, but another failure could see them in the wilderness of the lower echelons of the Football League for the coming years.

Last season's play-off heartache was crucial for Leeds as promotion to the Premiership would have seen the giants back to where they belong. However, that failure could result in them becoming a forlorn figure in the footballing world.

With no more parachute payments following their relegation back in 2004, money will be tight at Elland Road. And with only the free signing of Sebastian Carole from Brighton, can Leeds improve enough to go one step further and gain promotion?

Under the guidance of Kevin Blackwell, Leeds have consolidated rather than revolutionised. Blackwell has a built a very solid side that is very difficult to breakdown.

But on the other side of that Leeds do have problems scoring goals. At one point towards the back end of last season, Leeds went six games without scoring from open play and that will have to be improved upon if they are to mount a promotion push this season.

Their Squad

Leeds have based their team on being difficult to break down, and in Shaun Derry and Sean Gregan in the middle of the park, they have two players that epitomise this work ethic.

However this a succinct lack of creativity there and much of Leeds' good attacking play comes from Eddie Lewis on the left. A cracking player with a great cross and an eye for goal - but if you can keep him quiet you keep Leeds quiet.

It was a surprise Leeds struggled in front of goal last season. In Rob Hulse, Richard Cresswell, Robbie Blake and David Healy. they have four quality strikers who are more than capable of making their mark at this level. But being starved of opportunities cost them dearly.

In defence, stalwart Gary Kelly continues to be one of Leeds' most consistent performers. But it is Matthew Kilgallon who is their star performer.

Highly regarded and versatile, he has made himself a permanent fixture in the Leeds side. However, when he is not in the side there is a real lack of pace at the back, which Palace exposed in the 1-0 victory at Elland Road last season and that will be a worry for Leeds.

Probable Starting XI

Previous Meetings

21/03/06 – Leeds 0-1 Crystal Palace

04/03/06 – Crystal Palace 1-2 Leeds

31/01/98 – Crystal Palace 0-2 Leeds

23/08/97 – Leeds 1-2 Crystal Palace

When We Meet This Season

13/08/06 – Home

10/02/07 – Away

Prediction

Leeds certainly have a strong squad, but they hold their place at the top of the betting market for promotion more through reputation than performances and results.

It's hard to see Leeds improving upon last season and there is the feeling that the Championship has a stronger feel to it than last year. Therefore it is easy to oppose Leeds and dismiss them from promotion and a play-off place.