1) Allardyce has a point to prove
Sam Allardyce arrived at St James’ Park for his May 2007 unveiling as Newcastle’s manager by helicopter. Eight underwhelming months later, Big Sam was sacked – and immediately had to hand his top-of-the-range company car to security, leaving him requiring a lift home in his press officer’s somewhat more modest vehicle. Allardyce’s hefty payoff from Mike Ashley, Newcastle’s then owner, enabled him to buy a lavish villa on Spain’s Costa Blanca, swiftly dubbed Casa St James but the Leeds manager has not forgotten this “massive, massive career setback”. Allardyce has played down any talk of old scores being settled when Eddie Howe’s Champions League-chasing team visit Elland Road on Saturday but there is little doubt that Allardyce would enjoy sticking a metaphorical two fingers in the directions of those travelling Newcastle fans whose lack of enthusiasm for his tactics arguably prompted that dismissal. Much more important, Leeds surely cannot afford to lose – and quite possibly must win – if they are to avoid falling into the Championship. Louise Taylor
