Leeds United supporters have rallied behind Javi Gracia after he named his starting XI to take on Southampton at Elland Road in a vital match for both clubs.
Gracia takes charge at Elland Road for the first time this afternoon and the stakes could not be any higher. The Spaniard knows that a win could potentially lift his side out of the bottom three, but defeat today would see Southampton leapfrog Leeds, with the whites dropping down to last place.
Saints are also being led by a new manager as Ruben Selles was handed the top job on a permanent basis following the superb win at Stamford Bridge over Chelsea last weekend. Gracia revealed in his pre-match press conference that he has been carefully studying the south coast club and he will therefore be fully aware that they cannot afford to give James Ward-Prowse a free-kick within shooting range.
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Gracia has 15 matches to turn things around in West Yorkshire as the former Watford boss looks to do what Jesse Marsch failed to in his last three months in charge and win a Premier League match. Although the performances against Manchester United gave cause for optimism, it is the clashes with relegation rivals such as Southampton that are going to make a real impact.
And ahead of kick-off the 52-year-old filed his teamsheet as Whites boss for the first-time this season. Gracia made one change as Brenden Aaronson came in for Crysencio Summerville, while Max Wober also recovered from a shoulder injury he suffered against Everton to start.
As news of his selection filtered through, fans took to social media to share their thoughts on his starting XI to take on Southampton at Elland Road.
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