Here are the latest Leeds United morning headlines on Saturday, 8 October 2022.
Lawrenson view
Pundit Mark Lawrenson has labelled Leeds United as ‘distinctly average’ following their performance against Aston Villa last week. Leeds were forced to play just under half the game with 10 men as they battled hard for a 0-0 draw at Elland Road.
But at 11v11, it was a game that consisted of very little in the way of clear cut chances for either side. Speaking in his latest Paddy Power column, Lawrenson has backed Leeds to come away from Crystal Palace empty handed.
He said: “I saw Leeds last week and I just thought they were distinctly average. They are very, very competitive, there’s no doubt about it, but in terms of chances created they were few and far between.
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“I like Palace, I like watching them, I think they’re really easy on the eye. I know they got beat by Chelsea last time but I think they’ll have enough here. Crystal Palace 2-1 Leeds.”
Orta
Chelsea are expecting to appoint Red Bull Leipzig's technical director Christopher Vivell meaning Victor Orta is set to stay at Leeds United in his role as director of football.
The Spaniard has been with the Whites since 2017 and was reportedly on a list of five names that new Blues owner Todd Boehly wanted to replace Petr Cech who left the role earlier this year.
Vivell is said to have had talks with the Blues on Tuesday in London about leaving Leipzig where he's been since 2020 after a clash of "differing views" according to the German club - which could be over the 35-year-old Vivell pushing for the sale of 24-year-old forward Christopher Nkunku to Chelsea.
Read more here.
Gelhardt
Jesse Marsch was more than happy to see Joe Gelhardt make a point to him this week while in action with Leeds United Under-21s. Despite appearing on the pitch before kick-off, Gelhardt was overlooked for selection against Aston Villa last weekend with Marsch favouring new signing Wilfried Gnonto for a spot on the Whites' bench.
As such, the youngster was used in Michael Skubala’s U21s and he bagged two of Leeds’ five goals in the Papa John’s Trophy win over Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park on Tuesday night. It was a performance that sent a very clear message to the head coach and Marsch was delighted to receive it as he watched on.
He said: “Joffy made a fantastic point to his manager in the Tranmere game that he should not be left out of the squad. I thought he played really well and he was very dangerous. Joffy will be a factor in this game as well.”
Read more here.
READ NEXT:
- Jesse Marsch gives Leeds United injury update ahead of Crystal Palace test
- Patrick Vieira issues triple Crystal Palace injury update ahead of Leeds United fixture
- Jesse Marsch gives Leeds United wing options hint in Luis Sinisterra's absence
- Crysencio Summerville 'in best form' as Leeds United youngsters come into Jesse Marsch reckoning
- Former Leeds United manager Brian McDermott opens up on battle with alcoholism
