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The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 17th March) Speculation grows due to Cooper's 'illness'

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 8:56 am
by Ellandback1


Good Morning. It's Wednesday 17th March, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...


Speculation grows due to Cooper's 'illness'

Scotland Manager Steve Clarke has ruled Leeds skipper out of the World Cup qualifiers at the end of the month, against Austria, Israel and the Faroe Islands citing 'he's not available'.

He's not available for the games. I spoke to Liam. He could maybe have been available for the third game but it's not going to happen. We had a good chat about it and decided to go with the ones I've picked.

The 29 year old missed Saturday lunchtime's clash against Chelsea at Elland Road due to 'illness', with Bielsa only stating 'he's sick'. Whilst it's common this time of year to contract colds, flu and other similar ailments, the effects should only keep a professional athletic in his prime out of action for perhaps a week, 10 days. With Clarke ruling the former Hull City defender out when their games are almost a fortnight away indicates there is more to this than meets the eye.

Speculation on social media is rife that Cooper has contracted the Corona Virus, thus taking the proper isolation procedures. We know from the past that Bielsa will keep tight lipped to protect his players from media speculation.





Major injury blows ahead of West London clash

Leeds will travel down to Craven Cottage on Friday evening without the services of Skipper Liam Cooper, and almost certainly Patrick Bamford. As we have heard, Cooper has been ruled out of action for the rest of the month with 'illness' whilst and their leading goal scorer has not fully recovered for his leg injury, sustained last weekend against Chelsea.

Will Bielsa bow to public pressure, and promote teenage sensation Joe Gelhardt to lead the line against the Cottagers, or rely on a combination of Rodrigo and Tyler Roberts? With Koch proving his fitness for the U23's against Newcastle on Monday, will Bielsa throw the German International in at the deep end to partner either Llorente or Struijk?

Who would you like to see start?



Re: The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 17th March) Speculation grows due to Cooper's 'illness'

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 9:20 am
by HarryofOz
When Rodrigo had to isolate due to Coronavirus, the club announced it, so why shouldn't they when it's Cooper?

Why should Bielsa break up the Llorente/Struijk partnership with Koch only just returning?

Hopefully Bielsa picks the best team and not what the Twitterazi want.

Re: The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 17th March) Speculation grows due to Cooper's 'illness'

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 9:30 am
by Byebyegeegee
Knowing Bielsa, as we’ve come to do over the last 3 seasons, I believe he’ll be cautious and play Roberts and Rodrigo whichever way round, up front. Gelhardt might make the bench though. Also, I reckon, he’ll stick with Llorente and Struijk as centre backs with Koch on the bench to start with, with a view to giving him 20 or 30 minutes or so in the 2nd half.

Certainly sounds like there is more to the Cooper injury than we are being told but with Koch back in contention it shouldn’t be a major problem.

Re: The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 17th March) Speculation grows due to Cooper's 'illness'

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 9:35 am
by weasel
HarryofOz wrote: Wed Mar 17, 2021 9:20 am When Rodrigo had to isolate due to Coronavirus, the club announced it, so why shouldn't they when it's Cooper?

Why should Bielsa break up the Llorente/Struijk partnership with Koch only just returning?

Hopefully Bielsa picks the best team and not what the Twitterazi want.
I think with Rodrigo it came out through the Spanish media originally rather than from the club.

I would imagine Koch on the bench as there is no need to rush him.

Re: The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 17th March) Speculation grows due to Cooper's 'illness'

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 9:39 am
by Ellandback1
Are these prices right?

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Obviously the season ticket holders from this season are going to roll on to next season, with prices frozen for for a 10th year.

For the 2021-22 season, should Leeds put their prices up? They could have filled Elland Road three times over?

Re: The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 17th March) Speculation grows due to Cooper's 'illness'

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 9:42 am
by HarryofOz
weasel wrote: Wed Mar 17, 2021 9:35 am I think with Rodrigo it came out through the Spanish media originally rather than from the club.

I would imagine Koch on the bench as there is no need to rush him.
Fair enough re Rodrigo, maybe we just confirmed the news.

Re: The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 17th March) Speculation grows due to Cooper's 'illness'

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 10:13 am
by TatleyK
Ellandback1 wrote: Wed Mar 17, 2021 9:39 am Are these prices right?


aaaaaaaaad-2 copy.jpg


Obviously the season ticket holders from this season are going to roll on to next season, with prices frozen for for a 10th year.

For the 2021-22 season, should Leeds put their prices up? They could have filled Elland Road three times over?
No, prices are not correct. My season ticket is £536. and I don’t think that’s the most expensive as I’m in North East upper. So £349 is definitely not the dearest.

Re: The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 17th March) Speculation grows due to Cooper's 'illness'

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 10:18 am
by mothbanquet
Cooper

Hope he recovers soon, though with Koch close to making a return maybe he'll find it hard to get back into the starting 11 when he does?

Bamford

Was hoping it wasn't that bad, a shame he won't be around for a game that would've likely see him add to his tally. I think we'll see the team that took on (and got a result against) Chelsea after he came off. Maybe Gelhardt will be on the bench but Bielsa will rightly not be even considering 'public pressure' to do so.

Re: The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 17th March) Speculation grows due to Cooper's 'illness'

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 10:19 am
by Chilli D
If Cooper has COVID I can't understand why the club wouldn't say so unless Cooper has requested them not to. Its not exactly something to be embarrassed about. It sounds like its COVID, the fact that he could possibly have been available for Scotland's third game.
The fact that Llorente/Struijk/Koch are all available means his absence isn't an issue.

Joe Gelhardt should definitely be on the bench against Fulham, by all accounts he was excellent against Newcastle U23's. His debut draws closer.

Re: The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 17th March) Speculation grows due to Cooper's 'illness'

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 10:43 am
by mothbanquet
Chilli D wrote: Wed Mar 17, 2021 10:19 am Joe Gelhardt should definitely be on the bench against Fulham, by all accounts he was excellent against Newcastle U23's. His debut draws closer.
I've honestly been impressed nearly every time I've watched him. You don't get his sort of tenacity and competitiveness in many players at any level and I think once he's given the opportunity he'll give his all.

Re: The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 17th March) Speculation grows due to Cooper's 'illness'

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 11:12 am
by 1964white
Ellandback1 wrote: Wed Mar 17, 2021 9:39 am Are these prices right?


aaaaaaaaad-2 copy.jpg


Obviously the season ticket holders from this season are going to roll on to next season, with prices frozen for for a 10th year.

For the 2021-22 season, should Leeds put their prices up? They could have filled Elland Road three times over?
I have no doubt Leeds will increase there ticket prices to come in line with the other PL clubs to a certain degree, even with the Sky money our overheads will be much higher now.

From a personal point of view it's lovely being in credit with LUFC & not having to dig into my bank account for at least another twelve months.

Also our Cornish holiday in June is fully paid with our extra St Ives holiday in October half paid plus a small deposit on our Northumbria break too :)

Any Leeds adult fan who attended no Leeds matches whilst we were in League One or the Championship should be charged three times as much if they wish to only watch Leeds because we are in the Premier League :lol: :lol: :lol:

Re: The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 17th March) Speculation grows due to Cooper's 'illness'

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 11:17 am
by 1964white
TatleyK wrote: Wed Mar 17, 2021 10:13 am No, prices are not correct. My season ticket is £536. and I don’t think that’s the most expensive as I’m in North East upper. So £349 is definitely not the dearest.
£300 to £380 in the kop, season-tickets in the East & West Stands are between £600 & £700 I believe.

Re: The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 17th March) Speculation grows due to Cooper's 'illness'

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 11:38 am
by VincentJames88
If it is only covid for cooper I am not sure why the club would not want to let the press know, I suppose we will just have to wait and see for Fridays game.

Re: The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 17th March) Speculation grows due to Cooper's 'illness'

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 1:46 pm
by andrewjohnsmith
Almost certain Roberts will play up front. Rodrigo behind him depends on fitness. Can only start if he can play 60 minutes. Otherwise could be a 3-man midfield (KP, Dallas, Klich).

Would love to see Gelhardt get a chance though.

With 3 defenders fit, I don't think Koch will be considered until after the international break.

Re: The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 17th March) Speculation grows due to Cooper's 'illness'

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 1:52 pm
by Cjay
Cooper.

He probably is having to isolate, seems the most logical explanation.

If he doesnt want to tell people fair enough.

Didnt Rodrigo announce it himself on social media? Maybe thats the difference.

From what MB said today Bamford isnt fit and has a sore hip but probably will play and Rodrigo may be out.

We really are the walking wounded at the minute.

Hip injuries always worry me, always feel a hip injury means a player shouldn't play, just my view.

Re: The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 17th March) Speculation grows due to Cooper's 'illness'

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 3:30 pm
by danhirons
Not convinced those numbers are right as a Leeds home shirt hasn't been 45 quid for a long time

Re: The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 17th March) Speculation grows due to Cooper's 'illness'

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 3:53 pm
by John in Louisiana
1964white wrote: Wed Mar 17, 2021 11:12 am
Any Leeds adult fan who attended no Leeds matches whilst we were in League One or the Championship should be charged three times as much if they wish to only watch Leeds because we are in the Premier League :lol: :lol: :lol:
I think Leeds fans who traveled 5,000 miles to their first-ever game while the team were still in the Championship ought ot be given special consideration, too, :)

Long time fans need to come first, and that includes people who have been paying for memberships during all the years in the wilderness.

I will be shocked if it's not Roberts and Rodrigo up top. Would love to see Gelhardt, though, at some point. Hopefully we can establish a two-goal lead and bring him on for the last 30 or so.

Re: The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 17th March) Speculation grows due to Cooper's 'illness'

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 5:01 pm
by Lumiukko
Coming at this after MBs presser. It's pretty obvious Cooper has Covid given the length of time he is expected to be out, but if he is on the bench Friday then who knows? Not unduly worried with Koch able to play some minutes to cover CB with Llorente and Strujk starting.

Rodrigo most likely out, but Bamford *should* be OK to start. Given Bamford is carrying an injury, it could be the game Gelhardt plays a few minutes subbing in for either Bamford or Tyler. Something to keep an eye on.

Re: The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 17th March) Speculation grows due to Cooper's 'illness'

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 7:35 pm
by Leeds1000
Hope its nothing too serious with Coops and he gets well soon.

We could well see Koch in midfield and Dallas pushed up into the striker position. He could do a job. :)

Bamford will be ok by the sounds of it, altho i would be a little surprised to see him complete the match. Time for the young gun Gelhardt to get some minutes in the PL with Rodrigo picking up another slight knock. No rest for Klich just yet then.

Re: The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 17th March) Speculation grows due to Cooper's 'illness'

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 8:22 pm
by 1964white
John in Louisiana wrote: Wed Mar 17, 2021 3:53 pm I think Leeds fans who travelled 5,000 miles to their first-ever game while the team were still in the Championship ought to be given special consideration, too, :)

Long time fans need to come first, and that includes people who have been paying for memberships during all the years in the wilderness.
Of course :tup: