Burnley vs Leeds - War of the Roses at Turf Moor

By SA
November 27 2006

For Leeds, This might be the right time to be playing in the War of the Roses clash versus Burnley in the Championship. The win versus Plymouth was a big boost to Wise's troops as it was their first away win in about 2 ½ half months and it would be good to carry that wave of confidence to Burnley.

It must serve as a good tonic for the injury plagued Leeds side as they have Cresswell out with his persistent knee problem, Kelly is also unavailable for selection with a back problem (although rumours suggest differently!) and tomorrow's clash is expected to come too soon for captain Kevin Nicholls, who is continuing a specially-organized fitness programme at Thorp Arch. The midfielder is close to full fitness after recovering from knee ligament damage, but Wise is reluctant to rush his skipper back into the first team.

The same lineup, which started versus Plymouth, is expected to start versus Burnley and that would mean starting 2 really contrasting ex Burnley Players upfront in Robbie Blake and Ian Moore. The former a cult hero and according to many Claret fans is one of the best players to have graced Turf Moor while the latter is a trier to say the least. The pair should add more spice to the always anticipated and well-contested clash between the rivals across the pennies. Ex Preston Striker Healy ,a target of the Boo Boys in Burnley is expected to start from the bench along with Horsefield.

Leeds would be hoping Robbie Blake (5 goals in 6 starts) and Eddie Lewis (Man of the Match vs. Plymouth – a goal and an assist) continue their good form under Wise’s era while Westlake would try to make most of Nicholls’s absence in the centre of the park.

There is a possibility of Middlesborough Loanee Ugo Ehiogu being match fit for the game but it is unlikely that he would be risked by Wise after an encouraging performance by Heath against Plymouth. Likewise , Douglas and Kilgallon would be hoping to continue their good form off late while Foxe and Crainey start at their respective full back position without any competition to worry about at present in Leeds.

As for Burnley’s team news, Steve Cotterill will have own goal specialist Frank Sinclair available for the home game with Leeds along with John Mcgreal returning from suspension and knee injury respectively. Ex Leeds and Top Scorer, Andy Gray (9 goals) is expected to lead the line as always with the 2nd striker spot up for grabs within the reformed Gifton Noel Williams, Northern Ireland International Steve Jones and also fellow compatriot Kyle Lafferty. Cotteril is keeping the cards close to his chest as his team has lots of competition for places but the Beast, Brian Jensen, would continue his cozy run out in the side much to the discontent of a certain claret contingent.


The usual strong and vocal, away fans of Leeds United will vigorously back Wise and Poyet’s men in their quest to take Leeds higher up the table. From Leeds’s point of view, anything more than a draw at Turf Moor would be a big morale booster for Wise’s less confident under-performing players, while a win is a must for Steve Cotteril’s men if they want to keep up with the promotion pack and also stop their 3 game losing rot.

Tickets are still on sale for the clash - contact Leeds Ticket Services on 0845 121 1992