Leeds v Wolves - Team News

By Andy Baggott
August 19 2005

Leeds are sweating on the fitness of Eirik Bakke ahead of Saturdays clash with Wolves. The midfielder strained his hamstring and is doubtful for the Elland Road game.

His absence would be a huge blow to Kevin Blackwell as the Norwegian was starting to show the kind of form that puts him a class above most in this division. The players on International duty don’t get back until today, so the manager will have to make a quick assessment before finalising his starting 11. If Bakke misses out, either Gregan will move into midfield, to be replaced by Kilgallon at the back, or Gylfi Einarrson could come in for his first start of the season. The third option open to Blackwell is to move Wright inside, and play Robbie Blake wide on the right. This would mean a recall for David Healy to play alongside Michael Ricketts up front. Wolves are one of the favourites to go up, and Glenn Hoddle seems so have sorted them out. They drew far too many games last season, but didn’t lose too many. This year Hoddle will be trying to turn those draws into wins, and early form looks good. They have made some good signings in pre season, and tomorrow will be a big test for the home side. One player who won’t feature for Leeds is Matthew Spring. The midfielder, signed from Luton last season, is on the verge of joining Watford, after the two clubs agreed a fee in the region of £150,000. If the deal goes through, it will be the second such transfer following Clarke Carlisle’s £100,000 swith a fortnight ago.

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Andy Baggott