Having secured only one point at Carrow Road last time, Leeds United are 3 points down against first-place Sunderland. The Whites’ time in Norwich not only cost them points but also a meniscus injury to their regular midfielder Ilia Gruev.
The Bulgarian will spend a few months on the sideline as Daniel Farke will need to figure out a solution in the middle of the park. Amidst the chaos, Leeds-based band Kaiser Chief’s bassist Simon Rix had a go at the upcoming game against Sunderland on BBC Radio’s Leeds Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet Podcast.
I can see that if we only get the one point [at Sunderland] then people might freak out. It is very fine margins in this league, so looking at one point from six everyone on social media is crazy, mad and angry.
-Simon Rix via BBC Radio
The English bassist claims that a one-point showdown at the Stadium of Light might freak out the fans. It will further widen the gap between Leeds United and a direct promotion.
The Whites aim for a direct promotion this season as a play-off bet proved too risky last season. Rix also commented on the tough three-game week where United will have faced two of the biggest promotion rivals of the season.
You’d think, come the end of the season, that Norwich, Sunderland and Leeds will all be challenging for the play-offs. If you could pick some teams to play on that Saturday-Tuesday-Friday schedule you would not pick your direct rivals for those spots.
-Simon Rix via BBC Radio
Pressure at Elland Road increases as Championship race tightens
Sunderland’s Abdoullah Ba and Leeds United’s Glen Kamara at last season’s clash
If it’s two points from the two games then everyone is more of the mindset of: ‘OK, not a bad point on the road here and there.’ But one thing is for sure, it would then make the next home game a must-win.
-Simon Rix via BBC Radio
On a final note, Simon Rix claimed that a one-point show at the Stadium of Light would end up making the next home game a must-win. The Whites face Sheffield United at home after their clash against Sunderland.
The question of how Daniel Farke will deal with the loss of Ilia Gruev is to be seen today against The Black Cats. Without two of their best midfielders, Gruev and Ethan Ampadu, the situation poses a significant challenge for Daniel Farke.
Ampadu is out till January with a knee injury to his name. The few other players who are also on the sidelines include Maximilian Wöber and Daniel James.
