Charlton Athletic v Leeds Utd Match Thread - Costa to make first league start

Charlton Athletic v Leeds Utd

Saturday 28th September 2019 15.00 | The Valley


Leeds travel down to South London on Saturday afternoon to play Lee Bowyer's Charlton Athletic. The Whites will be without inspirational veteran Pablo Hernandez. He has a muscular problem which he picked up in the warm up against Derby. Costa is set for his first start of the season. Fit again midfielder Adam Forshaw will be included in the squad, as will Luke Ayling and Tyler Roberts.

Having dropped points recently against Derby and Swansea, Bielsa will be looking for a both, a disciplined performance and for chances to be put away which is easier said then done - Leeds record when playing in England's capital is poor to say the least.

Here is Bielsa's pre match press conference...





Recently promoted Charlton have made an impressive start to the season picking up 14 points, only three less than Leeds. They too will be looking to get back to winning ways after disappointing results against Wigan and Birmingham. It's ex-Leeds midfielder Boyver's first game in charge against Leeds and whilst he thinks they are one of the teams to beat he thinks they have weaknesses too...

From what I have seen live and on the telly, Leeds are the team to beat. If you finish above them then you’re getting promoted – I think it’s that simple.

They are a very good side. I watched their game against Derby [on Saturday] and I don’t know how they drew that. They hit the woodwork twice and missed sitters left, right and centre. It was crazy to watch.

I’ll watch them more this week, but they have weaknesses. They just bomb so many people forward.

As good as they are going forward they are going to be vulnerable at the back as well. But you’ve got to get the ball first!”

With six points separating the top 11 clubs, surely a win on Saturday is a must!


Leeds Starting XI
Casilla, Dallas, White, Cooper, Alioski, Phillips, Costa, Shackleton, Klich, Harrison, Bamford