Good Morning. It's Thursday 10th December, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...


Can Gaetano Berardi play a part this season?

Marcelo Bielsa that Gaetano Berardi could be available for selection in just a couple of months following knee surgery in July. The 32-year-old Swiss international has been side-lined after tearing his cruciate knee ligament against Derby in July. Talking about the defensive options available to him at the pre match press conference on Wednesday and following Robin Koch’s injury Bielsa said; “we also expect to count on Berardi from February”.

It was heart-breaking to see Berardi stretchered off the pitch against Derby having extended his contract to see Leeds over the line despite having no assurances over where he would be playing this season. His ‘side before self’ attitude has always endeared him to the fans and the majority were delighted when the club did the right thing and gave him a contract for this season despite knowing he would miss the majority through injury.

But sentiment aside, does Berardi have anything to offer in the Premier League? Coming back from knee surgery is hard enough without having to adjust to a new league with greater demands.





What future for Tyler Roberts?

Friday night will see Rodrigo Moreno return to Leeds United’s starting line-up following his positive Covid-19 diagnosis. Stuart Dallas, the modern-day Paul Madeley, has covered in midfield during his absence and as ever has done an admirable job. But what des that say about the future of Tyler Roberts? With the attacking options of Rodrigo, Raphinha, Hernandez, Costa and Harrison and Dallas used as cover, how far down the pecking order is Tyler Roberts?

Whilst Roberts is a player with undoubted potential, injuries have hampered his early career and on the occasion he filled in for Pablo Hernandez earlier in the season he failed to live up to that potential. The odd glimpse here and there perhaps but not enough to seal a place in Marcelo Bielsa’s side. Now firmly down the pecking order, with the likes of Poveda now Bielsa’s impact sub of choice, is it time for Roberts to move out on loan to aid his development?





Will Leeds return for Rodrigo de Paul in January?

In the rumour that refuses to go away the speculation that Rodrigo de Paul could be heading to Elland Road has risen again with the transfer window just a few weeks away. The Whites were heavily linked with a move to sign the Argentinian during the summer but a deal could not be completed. Udinese were after £37 million for the player in summer but reports from the Italian website CalcioMercato claim that Udinese’s asking price has since dropped to £27 million.

Speaking to The Boot Room former Leeds United shotstopper Nigel Martyn says the player would be a ‘good addition’ to Bielsa’s squad; “If you’ve got the money, and you can afford to do it, the quality of player is what you need in this division. But if you’re going to spend that money, he has to play”. Would you go back in for De Paul this summer? He is no talented no question but where would he fit into the team with Rodrigo, Klich and Phillips completing Marcelo Bielsa’s midfield currently?


Leeds v West Ham


1) Are you happy with tonight's line-up? Would you have made anymore changes apart from Rodrigo?

2) Do you enjoy 8pm kick-offs on a Friday night?

3) Who do you consider West Ham's most influential/dangerous player?

4) How good are West Ham this season in your opinion?

5) If there is one player you could pluck out of the current West Ham team, who would it be?

6 Do you rate David Moyes?

7) Any special memories of our games v the Hammers at Elland Road

8 Who are your favourite West Ham players from the past?

9) Win, lose or draw?

10) Would you be happy with a point?