By @IanWaterhouse1
Leeds face their toughest test of the season in front of the Sky cameras on Sunday as top of the table Newcastle United are the visitors to a sold-out Elland Road.
It has come at a good time for Leeds as a run of three league wins in a row has seen the whites climb into the play-off places. Norwich were put to the sword last time out in an impressive 3-2 win and Leeds will be keen to maintain the current momentum.
However, Newcastle will no doubt have other ideas, and after seven league wins in a row the game will surely prove a stern of Leeds’s credentials to see whether they can hack a run near the top or whether they are likely to fade away as the season progresses.
Newcastle head coach Rafa Benitez has finally gotten his Newcastle side firing after a shaky start which led to the Magpies losing their opening two matches of the season.
The signing of Dwight Gale from Crystal Palace has been pivotal as the former Peterborough hitman heads the scoring charts with 11 so far this season.
Fortunately, Leeds have arguably the form defender of the Championship in their ranks as Swede Pontus Jansson has been proving a major hit in the league.
Up front Chris Wood has been showing us all why Leeds paid £3m two seasons ago for the stocky forward with eight goals of his own this campaign.
The match will hold added emotion as former Leeds and Newcastle midfielder Gary Speed will be remembered by fans with a special tribute with a minute’s applause in the eleventh minute (the number of the shirt he wore for both clubs).
(Gary Speed)
It is hard to believe it nearly five years since the tragic passing of Welshman Speed who established himself as a fans favourite at both clubs.
Added to the spice of the match is happenings off the pitch with flamboyant owner Massimo Cellino making it clear he is attempting to sell the club.
A proposed sale to fellow Italian businessman Andrea Radrizzani fell through after Cellino claimed Radrizzani does not possess the funds to take Leeds to ‘the next level’.
Reportedly Cellino is in the process of purchasing Serie B side Brescia but has assured fans he wants to see Leeds safely sold and in the ‘right’ hands before handing over the reins.
Whatever happens off the pitch can with for now, Sunday promises to be an all action game and a true test for Leeds’s resolve as they bid to threaten the top of the table.
MOT