HarryfromBath assesses the mood in the opposition camp ahead of Saturday's game by delving into their forums.

"The boys did us proud today. Now let's climb that table and get into the top six", "It just feels like everything is starting to come together now. It has taken time for the owner and other new people to get things right. It's happening now", "We actually looked like and played as a team."

Leeds go into Saturday's game on a high after beating league leaders and bogey team Derby 2-0 at Elland Road last weekend. Confidence has been boosted after an erratic start to the season which has left the Whites in 15th place in the table and already on their third manager.

"I'm chuffed to bits. It's great to be able to buy a paper on a Sunday", "We're a young side with plenty of foreign players just getting used to the league. We will get stronger as we go this season", "In this frame of mind, we have nothing to fear", "Time to march up the league again."

Massimo Cellino

Things are not so settled off the pitch. Massimo Cellino was disqualified by the Football League from owning the club this week under the terms of their Owners' and Directors' Test. "What a bunch of vindictive half-wits the Football League are. He beat them once and he'll do it again."

"The committee members include [Blackpool chairman Karl] Oyston, but never mind. That's okay." The Football League board acted on the advice of lawyers who had received a copy of the judge's report after Cellino was previously convicted of tax evasion in Italy. The decision has met with an indignant response from Whites.

"Too right, Cellino will appeal the decision", "They never miss a chance to shaft us", "If they are going to keep coming for us, let's make it as awkward as possible for them." The disqualification will only hold force until March 2015 after which time Cellino's conviction will be spent under UK law.

"Come March, his slap on the wrist will be over", "I don't think it's so simple. Cellino and the club are being investigated for not disclosing the information they had regarding the judge's report (at the time the club was purchased) and further punishment is not out of the question."

Some suspect a wider conspiracy. "Leeds are the Football League's biggest asset and they will do everything to keep us in it. It has been mentioned that we keep some clubs afloat with our away crowds. With that in mind, a boycott of away games is in order. Let's hit them where it hurts."

Cellino is seen as a force for good these days. He has invested in the club, knows the game and attends matches. "I can't really fault him since he came, apart from bringing in [former manager Darko] Milanic. I think the [David] Hockaday appointment was deliberately temporary until Mr C could take stock of everything."

Neil Redfearn

"Five wins, two draws and two defeats — not a bad record for Redders amongst all the disruption, is it?", "If he had been made head coach in the pre-season, we would be top six if not top two right now", "There's a long way to go, but let's enjoy the improvement Leeds are making under him."

The former youth team coach is in his second spell in charge this season after being appointed on a permanent basis in late October following Milanic's sacking. He had already impressed Whites when taking 10 points from 12 as interim manager after Hockaday's dismissal in August.

While supporters have been pleased with the team's results under Redfearn, they can also see how he is trying to develop a good footballing side. They also like the way in which he is bringing a good number of youth players through to the first team squad.

Leeds 2 — 0 Derby

"If we can beat Derby, we can beat anyone", "Great result, great days", "It's our first win since 2006. There were nine losses and three draws since then", "I can't believe that Derby had all that possession and failed to get a shot on target", "Our work rate was phenomenal."

Whites were impressed by the marauding raids of left-back Stephen Warnock and the finishing of striker Mirco Antenucci, both of whom dominated the Man of the Match polls, but their midfield performance was well praised. "Will Hughes spent the afternoon chasing the ref and complaining."

"We were pressing higher up the pitch and closing down much better", "All our players did something positive. Sometimes in matches you can't remember some players even touching a ball, but today was the most complete performance of the season so far and I'm ecstatic for the club."

Blackburn 2 — 1 Leeds

"It's all coming together, but we need to address our away results." It is also worth looking at Leeds' defeat at Ewood Park two weeks ago. They played brightly but were undone by two pieces of inept defending. These blunders echoed similar ones in their previous away fixture, a 3-1 defeat at Cardiff.

"Now this. Against 10 men. Capitulation." "I have never known a season where we have thrown so many games away after dominating them, through our own stupid mistakes", "We have played so well and made two playground errors", "Yet again we gave the referee something to think about."

"Although the result was disappointing, we should have brought the points home with us. We played good football and that has given me hope for better results onwards. We just need to stop making silly mistakes", "It's frustrating because you can see we have a decent team out there."

Formation

Neil Redfearn has deployed his team in a midfield diamond. Full-backs push forward and there is an emphasis on pressing and playing a passing game. Both goals against the Rams came from out wide, but Whites aren't sure they have the height or stature up front to play high crosses into the box.

"All of our midfield played well, hustling and harrying Derby", "When we pressured them on the ball around their box them seemed to panic", "We shackled Will Hughes, the one who makes things happen for them", "Our work-rate in the second half was exceptional. I hope we can keep this up."

While the diamond has allowed the full-backs scope for getting forward, it has presented familiar problems. "The midfield is too narrow", "We need to work on closing down space on the flanks", "No-one wants to put a ball in the box", "We needed a winger once Rovers went down to 10 men."

Defence

"Many of us have said recently how this team has the footballing ability to beat anyone in the division if we could just find a clean sheet and avoid the major cock-ups we have recently specialised in. We did it today." The clean sheet against the Rams was Leeds' first in nine games.

"The big plus against was that we got a nil", "The last two games show that we can beat anyone in this division if we don't cock up at the back", "The back five looked comfortable without having to do too much, thankfully."

Former Chievo keeper Marco Silvestri "worries me when he should be coming to claim the ball. He doesn't command the defence. Most keepers will come for the ball and take out their defender to get it. This fella creates confusion by leaving it for the defenders to make the decision".

The 23-year-old "has made two bonkers errors but has shown some top quality goalkeeping since arriving", "I have found myself thinking of the number of times Silvestri has kept us in games rather than the errors he has made", "His kicking is poor and his communication needs working on."

"I thoroughly applaud Redfearn for dropping Jason Pearce. The last two managers would not have had the guts to take a similar decision." The former Portsmouth centre-back and captain "is not a leader. He lacks pace and as a consequence is often caught out of position".

"When [Tom] Lees was sold, we should have kept him and not Pearce." The 26-year-old "looks awkward with the ball at his feet. He always gives the impression he'd rather hoof the ball forward than play the passing game", "At his age he should command the box and lead the back line but he doesn't".

Former Chesterfield centre-back Liam Cooper "is adept at coming out of defence with the ball. He helps set up good counter-attacks, one of which led to the second goal against Derby", "His relative pace played a part in the decision to drop Pearce." The 23-year-old "adds some height at the back".

"Redfearn thinks Cooper fits in with his new playing philosophy", "In Belluschi and Cooper, we have two centre-halves who are comfortable with the ball at their feet", "The pairing of Bellushi and Cooper looked like they had played together all season."

Cooper didn't escape censure for his part in Blackburn's first goal. "The collision for the goal was as much Cooper's fault. He should have put the ball into Row Z", "He also ran out of our box with the ball into a cluster of Derby players. It was the type of mistake Redfearn is tearing his hair out about."

"I love Giuseppe Belluschi. He's absolutely bananas. For every lunatic bit of defending, there is something world-class and completely unexpected." The 25-year-old former Catania player "is a good footballer. I haven't seen many centre-backs at this level so good with the ball".

"Belluschi is a loose cannon. Against Derby he did some silly things like the odd shirt tug and leading with his knee. That said, he also made a last ditch quality tackle to save a potential goal. He just needs to cut out the silly stuff and shut up a bit", "We need his tackling and aggression."

"Every Blackburn attack seems to be coming down Sam Byram's side. He's got to be careful." This comment was made before Leeds conceded their late penalty at Blackburn. "He left his bloody leg out", "I shouted ‘don't jump in' and, of course, Byram decides to. Why? I don't know."

The 21-year-old youth product "was done by Luke Varney, but he's not a natural right-back. It's far better pushing him into right midfield where he has pace and skill to hurt the opposition", "Going forward he's good, but he gets caught out of position defensively", "Byram's not secure at full-back."

"Gaetano Berardi has shown in spells that he's capable, but unfortunately he lets his enthusiasm get the better of him. He has been reckless with some tackles hence his cards record is poor." The 26-year-old ex-Sampdoria right-back "is too gung-ho", "He's a walking red card and a liability."

Stephen Warnock

"Where was the leader on the pitch against Blackburn? Where was the reaction on the pitch to stop stupid mistakes?" With Jason Pearce dropped last Saturday, former England international and Villa left-back Stephen Warnock was handed the captain's armband and blossomed in the role.

"There is only one Man of the Match for me today [against Derby]. Step forward Stephen Warnock. It's not often I give nines or tens out of ten but he got one today. He was truly outstanding", "He pulled off three or four last-ditch tackles and interceptions."

"Like Billy Bremner, he was outstanding in all aspects of his game", "He was excellent defensively and played a crucial part in setting up both goals", "He led from the front and played a blinder from start to finish", "He was rock solid today and is probably the best left-back in this division."

Midfield

"We are playing well, passing forward more quickly and being more progressive than earlier in the season", "The average age of our midfield quartet on Saturday was under 21","If we can get our passing game going and show the same intensity as at Derby, we can beat anyone in the league."

"We do need a more physical presence in midfield and up front, as we rarely win the ball in the air in attacking positions", "The Rovers team were much bigger than ours", "Derby did not have the 6ft 3in bone-crusher midfielders of other Championship sides, so Mowatt and Cook were able to flourish."

"Tommaso Bianchi keeps it simple and retains the ball. I thought we lost our rhythm when he was subbed against the Rams." The 26-year-old ex-Sassuolo right-sided player "is top or second in the tackling statistics. He's incredibly under-rated and saved Byram's bacon against Derby."

"He's the enigma of the imports. Sometimes the quality is there with his passing and tackling, but he needs to get forward more. I heard he was a winger when he signed but he's not. There have been games where he has gone missing and hardly touched the ball. Bianchi's the one I can't decide on."

"Alex Mowatt is getting better by the game", "If we're genuinely about the long term, he's exactly the sort of player we need to keep and nurture." The 19-year-old youth product midfielder "was Man of the Match by a country mile against Charlton, with two similar and fantastic goals."

The left-sided player "was involved in most of the good things we did on Saturday", "His link-up play and tidy play are an asset", "Blackpool's only effort came as a result of Mowatt being bundled off the ball. There has been a noticeable tendency for him recently to get outmuscled."

"Rudy Austin's only role is a 20—30-minute cameo when tired legs are apparent." The 29-year-old holding player "offers experience and muscle but at the expense of mobility", "He makes a good impact off the bench. His passing isn't great but he makes a nuisance of himself, breaking up play."

Lewis Cook

"I didn't like the idea of such a young lad playing at the back of a diamond. It's such a vital position. I have to give Cook so much praise as he has been magnificent there. He's been our best young lad since Milner", "Dare I say it but I thought he had Will Hughes in his pocket."

The 17-year-old youth product is praised for his mobility and reading of the game. "Against Rovers, every loose ball seemed to be picked up by Cook. He has fantastic awareness and anticipation of where the ball will drop when we're applying sustained pressure. He looks better with every game."

"Cook's work is less high profile but he keeps the machine ticking over", "He was great again against Derby, but he looks tired. I don't want him burned out as he could do with a rest at some point", "If he carries on progressing like this, we could build our team around him for seasons to come."

Adryan

"There was a moment when a bit of Adryan magic beat two Derby players in a flash. It was worth the ticket price on its own. It still seems strange that we have a 20-year-old Brazilian playing for us." The former Flamengo attacking midfielder "is a lovely player who does the unexpected."

"What a talent he is. He's the type who could win us matches with a moment of inspiration", "The Rams pushed Hughes back in a deep role to try and stem our floating Brazilian star", "I hope Adryan can soon find the net. It will improve his confidence and make him even better."

"He seems to have everything including a willingness to chase down and make a tackle to win the ball back", "This kid is class. He is has a clever array of skills, like running at the opposition and is willing to track back and tackle. He's only fully effective at the moment in the first 45 minutes."

There is one part of his game they want to see less of. "He can cut out the play-acting though", "The part where he threw himself down again as if the invisible man had kicked him was disgraceful. That was embarrassing to watch and cannot be defended", "He badly needs acting lessons."

Strikers

"Our strikers try to play off the shoulder of the defender. If a team drops deep, we simply pass the ball around in front of them and don't look threatening", "They have no aerial threat", "We are the only team I can think of that doesn't have a forward who is good in the air."

"Billy Sharp was a panic signing to appease the fans, but we know he can score at this level." The 28-year-old former Doncaster striker has made occasional appearances from the bench, and "needs more minutes to pull tiring defenders apart", "We are more of a threat from crosses with him."

Some Whites are less than convinced. "What a let-down he has been. I was expecting great things from him. He hasn't shown any form and he's now not starting", "The strike partners are not ‘in the box' strikers like Sharp. They prefer to play off through balls, but he offers something different."

Souleymane Doukara

"Doukara reminds me of Carlton Palmer in that he is all legs and hasn't a clue what he is doing at times. Then he shows skills that you think would be beyond him." The 23-year-old ex-Catania striker "needs to kick on and be more consistent or he'll end up like another Luke Murphy".

"He is probably our most frustrating player. He's unplayable on his day but comes across as lazy and needs to improve his shooting", "Doukara looks so lethargic and angers me when he saunters back after an attack breaks down", "He can stick out like a sore thumb in this passing side."

Doukara upped his work-rate against the Rams. "He was not that effective up front but did a lot of the dirty work and was a great foil for Antenucci", "He's quick for a big man and strong, but he isn't an aerial striker. He needs to choose the simple option at times rather than the fancy stuff."

Mirco Antenucci

"How good was Antenucci? He looked lethal to me", "He seems like a quality finisher", "Mirco is the most clinical striker we have had in years. He's calm on the ball, takes the right amount of time and doesn't rush, and he shoots with the right precision and weight. He's fun to watch."

The 30-year-old ex-Ternana front man was widely praised for his two finishes against the Rams. "Mirco is a proper striker. Sometimes he will make the wrong call because he will take a shot or try to go himself rather than opting for a pass. Good strikers are greedy so this goes with the territory."

"Shame about the beard but I love our new striker", "While he is 30, he still has a hell of a turn of speed about him. He has a bag of tricks and knows where to be at the right time. He looks a hell of a lot more interesting than Ross McCormack at this time", "He gives 110% and never stops running."

Whites' Views on ITFC and the Game

"I'd like to see us build on the excellent performance from Saturday and not take a step back like we have in previous seasons. Hopefully we can limit chances as we did against Derby." Leeds supporters are hoping that last week's result won't represent another false dawn.

"No doubt Ipswich are a tough nut to crack. If we continue as we have in our last two games then there's no reason why we can't return with all three points. Confidence will be sky high and with an unchanged line-up we should give them a real run for their money. I think we'll win it 2-1"

Their prediction polls are certainly optimistic for an away game, with 54% going for a Whites win and only 11% expecting us to win. It's worth noting that 86% of Leeds supporters don't expect their team to keep a clean sheet. The most popular scores forecast are a 2-1 away win and a 1-1 draw.

"Murphy will probably be the key player for them", "Ipswich are not a really good side, they have done well to be in the position they are and all credit to them and their manager, but we can get something from this match if we play well."

Leeds supporters are not the most loved in the division and sometimes they don't help themselves: "Ipswich think we are going to be a pushover on their PL quest. I can't see many Japanese tourists venturing to Suffolk and joining the yokels waving their wellies in the air somehow."

"Hunt comes on in the 83rd minute and scores the winner to send Ipswich second. Scripted?", "It won't be an easy game. Ipswich are on a roll at the moment. I'm just glad Hunt can't play because no doubt he would hit the net." While Noel Hunt is popular as a character, he is not rated as a player.

"At least Ipswich won't have their prolific new striker available", "It didn't happen for Noel here, but he was a good player at all of his previous clubs and a good bloke", "Please, please, please keep him. We'll even have a whip round to help you out with the transfer fee."

Websites

There a number of busy Leeds message boards. The Geldard End is busy and has some colourful contributors, as does Marching On Together.

LUFCTalk is has some insightful discussions. Although its forum is quiet, To Ell And Back has some interesting and worthwhile blogs.

One thing to mention is that I can now be found on twitter under the @HarryFromBath name. I will be using this for any occasional comments that cross my path during the week and on matchdays, and which cannot go in the Notes for whatever reason.

@HarryFromBath

Photo: Action Images

vanmunt added 11:24 - Dec 5 Harry you are a legend. I hope we can turn this bunch over, I remember walking away from PR and windows of cars and wing mirrors broken and smashed from the lovely Leeds bunch. .. luckily for me it stopped 2 cars from mine or it would have been a cold journey home.
5

MrDiddle added 11:37 - Dec 5 "Ipswich are not a really good side"... but Leeds are?? Our flat cap wearing whippet owning friends from up north are obviously wearing rose tinted glasses there! Up the town!
6

salforduniblue added 11:47 - Dec 5 I live in Leeds and occasionally go to Elland road with friends (if Ipswich aren't playing oop north) and I can at this stage confirm that I've never seen any Japanese tourists posing by the Billy Bremner statue or hanging around the charming district of Beeston after the game to hurl stones at away fans. I believe they may be confusing themselves with their slightly more successful neighbours in red, roughly 35 miles west down the M62. But then again, that's none of my business

12

Tractorog added 11:47 - Dec 5 I'm sure not all Leeds fans are mindless idiots, but they do seem to be the "do not dive" end of the gene pool.
1

Kropotkin123 added 12:02 - Dec 5 From the video, against Derby they looked to have an advantage of out-muscling them. One of Derby's players just gave up after being tackled for the first goal. The inclusion of videos and the formation picture was great.
3

Jimmy86 added 12:10 - Dec 5 Great work as ever Harry, brilliant read. I see the Leeds fans are as deluded as ever, well I hope you'll be able to "March on together" back up north having been beaten, but you are champions of europe
2

theblueginger added 12:17 - Dec 5 Warnock the best left back in the league? Introducing Tyrone Mings......
7

itfcserbia added 12:17 - Dec 5 Hahaha, I love how deluded their fans are. Most of us don't think it'll be an easy win for us, but yet most of them think they'll win here. Bring'em on! COYB!
6

TR11BLU added 12:30 - Dec 5 After the Scum, this is the bunch I love us to stuff. Bring on the dirrtttyy Leeds Would love it, love it if we do them
7

NoCanariesAllowed added 12:40 - Dec 5 From what I've heard from Leeds fans on Twitter and what I'm seeing here, it bothers me that Cellino seems to have genuine approval from the Leeds fanbase. They seem utterly convinced that the Football League is only investigating him because 'they want Leeds to suffer' - obviously there's not a day in the year that the entire world isn't scheming and plotting Leeds' downfall because they're so bloody important. Never mind the fact that Cellino seems a real dodgy character with some bizarre ideas, it's okay because he's putting money into the club and 'at least he's not Ken Bates'. Seems Leeds are happy with being owned by what they perceive as the lesser of numerous evils rather than actually seeking a good owner. It's their funeral, I suppose. For a while I sympathised with them for having their club taken over by a lunatic but if they're happy to let him do it then I just hope it comes back to bite them on the backside.

4

dawoolah added 12:42 - Dec 5 "Leeds are the Football League's biggest asset and they will do everything to keep us in it" - Paranoid or what?!? 2-0 Town (Berra & Murphy)
6

paulthebluealien added 12:44 - Dec 5 Hahahahahaha "Ipswich are not a good side", what an absolute load of crap. Typical Leeds fans talking, I ignore that and hope we give them a good lesson on Saturday. COME ON YOU BLUES.
2

blueblood66 added 13:10 - Dec 5 I actually like Leeds a a city, but their football clubs supporters are deplorable morons. Lets hope we rattle a few in and send them home with their tail between their fat Yorkshire legs
2

tractorintheloft added 13:25 - Dec 5 "It has been mentioned that we keep some clubs afloat with our away crowds. With that in mind, a boycott of away games is in order. Let's hit them where it hurts" Obviously didn't factor in the increased police costs and repair bill. Pleaae do boycott all away games.
6

crossyIP2 added 13:29 - Dec 5 Great work Harry, nice read that! "Ipswich are not a very good team" they say looking up at us from 15th position lol what a joke! Dirty Leeds!!!! 3 points please!
1

Blandford added 13:31 - Dec 5 Another great review - I really enjoy reading these notes - thanks. Can I just ask - do you have to be deluded to be a Leeds fan? Their team has picked up 5 points away from home in 9 games, we have dropped 5 points in 9 games (at home) and yet over half of the forum fans expect Leeds to come to PR and win. As for them being the Football League prize asset - you have got to be joking.

2

BillBlue added 13:45 - Dec 5 I have come out of retirement just to make this post. Three goals for Leeds from three totally unmarked strikers in the Derby box and, as somebody else commented, one of the Derby defenders just gave up! A walkover, whatever were Derby thinking about? Newsnow this week has been absolutely full of rubbish from The South Yorkshire Post similar to that Harry has posted above and I have never in all my life felt so angry about another club's supporters. Please Town give them a real thrashing and try, very hard, to get the facts of life through to their peanut sized brains. Yet another excellent write up Harry, thank you, but it still makes me feel sick! COYB

3

BlueandTruesince82 added 15:05 - Dec 5 Think some Leeds fans might of the impression that Don Revie is still in charge. Biggest asset to the football league, er no. No doubt support wise a big club but you could argue that about Wolves, Forrest, She W and dare I say it the chirpy neighbours up the road. I am more than happy for Leeds fans to stay away for this one. Would very much like us to win tomorrow just to shut them up. As said above its a lovely city just a shame about the supporters. Have to say Redfern does seem to have the on the up n up lets hope that ends tomorrow. Who ever plays RB needs to be on it tomorrow and for me Parr for Smith might be the way to go just because I'm not sure Chambo is best placed to combat Warnock and Mowatt. COYB!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2

TractorBeezer added 16:04 - Dec 5 Great stuff Harry. Your report is always required and informative pre-game reading. A pal of mine who is a Leeds supporter rates their youngsters and blend of youth and experience. With the return of our ball playing mid-fielders and aerial prowess I predict 3-1 for the TBs. Thanks Harry! UTTBs
0

playthewayyourfacing added 17:07 - Dec 5 For those that enjoy a bet, suggest a Leeds red card tomorrow and a town win. Their record at PR speaks for itself. COYB
1

Normandyblue added 17:07 - Dec 5 ITFC are the Championship's biggest asset, and we will be doing everything in our power to keep Leeds in it.
1

ArnieM added 17:16 - Dec 5 Potential banana skin imo tomorrow. They wont be easy to beat and whilst I'm chuffed at our current form, like it or not we are due a loss at some point. Just hope its not against them.
0

jpring89 added 17:30 - Dec 5 hope we belt them 5-0
1

rfretwell added 18:01 - Dec 5 What a load of on ilkley moor bah tat from That lot! 2-1 Town
1

bluelodgeblue added 19:33 - Dec 5 great as ever thanks Harry
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