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If ever there was a "six pointer", then this is it! Both teams had excellent wins in their last Premiership fixtures - against sides who neutrals might have expected to come out on top: the Mackems winning 4-2 at Stamford Bridge whilst we picked up three points with a 2-1 victory at The Valley. Prior to this, both Chelsea and Charlton had previously only been beaten on one occasion at home. The two results set up Saturday's clash perfectly, with only one point and one place separating us in the Premiership table.
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We all have our bogey teams....and the Mackems must surely not relish the thought of playing us: forced to go back an unbelievable 12 seasons since they even managed to take a point off us in the League. Of course, during this period, they have spent several seasons in Division 1....still we don't have a bad old record against them ;-)
Still, they will feel that all runs must come to an end sometime - and that they will never have a better chance of putting one over us than on Saturday.
Julio Arca, the young Argentine left winger, has swiftly become a crowd favourite in his first year at Sunderland. The 20 year old is Peter Reid's third most expensive buy at £3.5 million (when Arca was only 19 years old) from Argentinos Juniors.
He was spotted by Reid playing for the Argentine U21s, during his short term in charge. Traditionally a left back, Arca was thrust into first team action almost immediately on the left wing. What's more, he scored on his debut.
Like all skillful ball players, he seems to have time on the ball where others don't. His steps over, juggling flicks and regular nutmegs delighting the crowd almost every game. However, at present he does have a tendency to drift in and out of games a little and, frustratingly, can be caught in possession at times.
His sweet left foot has gradually become a more potent weapon in the team's attack; with him swinging over a range of pin point crosses and corners, which seem to improve every week.
He has formed a rampaging partnership with left back Michael Gray who likes to overlap Arca. This gives Arca plenty of options and space to operate in. He is fond of cutting inside and whipping in a short fast ball to the far point of the six yard box. Any free kick close to the area that requires a left footed curler will probably be taken by Arca, who scored a sweet goal from such a position in Sunderland's 4-1 thrashing of Ipswich earlier this year.
Recently he was employed on the right against Chelsea and had a hand in two of Sunderland's goals. he often cuts inside and found space to run with the ball behind the front two.
It is testament to the young man that having come half way round the world, leaving home and not speaking the language, he has seeled in so well and plays with such confidence. he is far and away Sunderland's most naturally gifted footballer and his best is yet to come. Wherever Reid employs Arca on Saturday, he will be a thorn in Leeds' side - unless roughed up and put under early pressure. Watch for his sweeping short crosses, his cuts inside and his drifting runs off the ball.
Our popular AWAY FANS feature returns for Saturday's game - with a chat to Gregg of 'SAFC UK'. As this is such a crunch game, we hope to have other unofficial sites contributing during the week....so keep clicking back!
AWAY FANS: Site 1:
*Site: SAFC UK
*URL: www.safc-uk.co.uk/
* Do you think you're having a good season?
We are having a fantastic season: it looks like we will be in Europe next season, something we thought impossible only a couple of years ago. We have bought well and it is paying off.
* What has been the best moment of your season so far?
Definitely the 2-1 win at St James'. Last season they all blamed the weather but to do it again just showed the toon who are the best in the North East.
* Who do you think is your best player(s) ?
Got to be Kevin Phillips. We all know a lot about him. Don Hutchison, again, is well known but he brings so much more to our team. He has proven to be a good replacement for Quinn. Julio Arca is definitely one to watch. The guy is amazing on the ball and in a couple more years he will be a fantastic player.
* Your worst player(s) ?
Kevin Kilbane lacks confidence and doesn't take players on like he should. Danny Dichio doesn't get his chance with Quinn and Phillips ahead of him but he seems more of a liabilty than an asset.
*Your players to watch (youngsters or underrated players) ?
Julio Arca and Michael Gray. Together these two are amazing...the left wing comes alive!
*Your preferred formation and line-up for Saturday's game?
4-4-2....Sorensen, Carteron, Thome, Craddock, Gray, Arca, McCann, Schwarz, Kilbane, Phillips Hutchison.
*Your best chant ?
2-1! We beat the scum 2-1, we beat the scum 2-1, we beat the scum 2-1....
*Where do you think Coventry will finish in the Premiership this season ?
Third or fourth. Fourth is more realistic but we are in a good position at the minute.
* What are your general views/ perceptions of Leeds' season so far?
Leeds have had a very mixed season. Champions League has been great and I wish them all the best and hope they can go on and surprise a few more people. As far as the league, only just have they turned it around but are still too far down the league. Would like to see Micky Bridges in action. When he is fit, you have a great player in him.
*Prediction for Saturday and Sunderland scorers (if applicable)?
2-1....Phillips and Hutchison.
Injuries and tiredness are no longer excuses that Leeds can use. For now we have a two month break from the distraction of the Champions League and a subs bench containing full England internationals Batty, Martyn and Wilcox, U21 cap Mills and ....erm...Darren Ploperby.....I suppose 4 out of 5 aint bad !
This game was like a cup tie. Real shit or bust football. Not overly pretty but the best sort of entertainment us simple Yorkies know.
Kewell started on the left and he seemed to flit between midfield and attack. As the game wore on and Harry tired he seemed less inclined to drop back and help. We ended up 4-3-3 but at 2-0 up we could afford that luxury.
Sunderland are no mugs - with 5 wins on the bounce they make up for a lack of individual class with a phenomenal work rate and an agressive style that borders on thuggery. It was a good time for Leeds to meet the Wearsiders cos due to their recent successes they came out at Leeds with a genuine attempt to win the game. This gave Leeds the room that they so much crave for at Elland Road.
Bowyer, Bakke and Dacourt fought like demons in the middle of the park with the Frenchman in awesome form. His twists and turns are remarkable at times and indeed left one Sunderland player flat on his arse at one point like a fairy that had fallen off a Christmas tree. Kewell hugged the left touchline and bamboozled the visitors defence with his quick feet and accurate crossing. It was only a matter of time before Leeds scored.
Bowyer, Bakke, Smith and a be-gloved Viduka combined well to set up the opener for Bowyer. His angled drive from 12 yards giving the generally impressive Sorensen a chance to play statues.
Sunderland were not without their chances though. The Black Cats were exposing the space on Leeds' right well , particularly Micky "Gay Hair" Gray, and were cracking hopeful balls up to Floodlight Quinn for his knockdowns. One such scenario ended up with Quinn himself blazing over from close range, the ball catching his hoof-end no doubt. He should have scored, Killbane, the thinking mans Huckerby, then missed 2 half chances that Huckerby could only dream of on the bench. He'd have mis-kicked them too - without question.
Two people said to me at the match "Celtic are gonna buy Huckerby !" "How come ? has Martin O'Neill started taking drugs or something ? We couldn't give the prat away let alone sell him!"
Bowyer ran clear of the Sunderland defence following Viduka's neat flick and was bundled to the ground by Thome. Having already been booked the Brazilian should have walked. Instead the referee, who was dreadful throughout, booked another Sunderland defender. Facking c@nt !! For the millionth time Smith was twatted from behind and the ref ignored it. Facking c@nt !! Half Time - Leeds deservedly ahead but by no means having it all their own way.
2nd half and Leeds were well on top. Dacourt, Bowyer and Kewell led the Mackems a merry dance. Bowyer twice and Viduka wasted good shooting chances and Sorensen saved well from Viduka following a corner. Viduka then dummied his way through to the byline and his chip looked certain to be converted by the unmarked Kewell until Sorensen stretched up like an elastic salmon and denied the Australians.
Just when it seemed Leeds were themselves cruising, Robinson and Kelly contrived to completely f*ck up and leave a harmless ball alone which resulted in Quinn being allowed to poke the ball into an empty net. Luckily Quinn was offside when the impetuous Arken prodded it forward. Leeds breathed a huge sigh of relief.
Rio then nipped into deny Quinn when the equaliser seemed a formality. Leeds snapped back into life - Bakke hit the post after an excellent cross from Ferdinand - what the f*ck was he doing up there !? Bakke's backheel beat the keeper and the rebound eluded Viduka's pounce, paunch - the lot Leeds then sealed it with Viduka feeding Kewell, who popped up on the right like a glove puppet out of a box, and after intentionally dithering about for a second or two sent a measured cross onto Viduka's ample forehead and Leeds were 2-0 up.
Prodigal son Batty replaced Dacourt,who looked like he had a slight knock, and both players received unbelievable cheers from the crowd. What a player to bring on! Batty was instantly involved and was snapping about like a crocodile in a kids swimming pool. His trademark give and go passing was in evidence and he showed what Leeds have missed for the last year when he released Smith with a glorious through-ball which Smiffy lobbed in from an acute angle. The linesman's flag however had been raised but replays suggest he was wrong. So 3-0 to Leeds but officially only 2 ;-)
Credit to Sunderland who hit the bar in the last minute and had they had a lot more luck could have sneaked a point. Leeds however were in irresistible form at times and carved the visitors apart far too often for Monkey Reid's liking.
Scores
Robinson 7 Made some good catches from crosses. Kicking good.
Kelly 7 Gritty performance. Not helped by the fact Bowyer tucked in and left Kelly exposed a few times. Little chance to come forward
Matteo 7.5 Polished showing. Did the simple things well.
Woody 8 Gave rat face Phillips little room to manoeuvre.
Rio 8 Several gorgeous pieces of skill and self-assurance. Handled Quinn as well as he could have hoped.
Bowyer 8.5 Tireless running. Broke forward well and scored.
Dacourt 9 The black Batty. The lynch pin in the team.
Bakke 7 Great improvement of late. Plays so much better when the midfield is not crowded out. He's still learning.
Kewell 8 Ran well with the ball, crossed more than anyone else has all season. Still a bit rusty but looks even better than I remember ! Can't wait til he fires on all cylinders again
Viduka 7 Some lovely touches but drifts out of the game at times - maybe that's due to tight marking or tight underpants - who knows ? Took his goal wonderfully well.
Smith 7 Ran his testicles off. Has since had them sewn back on. Battled for little reward. Scored what should have been our 3rd
Subs:
Batty 8 Batty is back ! Hello ! Hello !
Huckerby I'm not marking that lemon.
Ref 1 Pathetic.
Sunderland 8 - gave 100% but finishing was w@nk
Crowd 8 - good atmosphere - "you're just a Newcastle suburb !" we teased.
Reporter: Stotty
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