As the season meanders along on the pitch, with little or no purpose, we inevitably seem to be getting into a cycle of one good (or at least decent) performance, followed by one abysmal one. The point was made at the Focus Meeting last night that all that achieves is leaving the fans with little or no hope of progress, just stagnation, which, in turn, contributes to the ever declining gates. That makes a trip to Elland Road even more welcome. At least the team ought to be up for this (if they aren’t, they shouldn’t be professional footballers) and, after the shocking performance at Oldham on Saturday, they should be due something better!

The Saddlers will be without the injured Parkin, Jones and Weston for this one, but Hutchings will have some other decisions to make. Hughes and Smith should be fit for the game, and, knowing Hutchings’s predilections, we might well see changes to the centre of the defence, as the “book” probably says “play your most experienced players in this type of game”. For the same reason, we may well see the return of Darren Byfield to the starting lineup, especially as Nicholls did not make the hoped for impact on being given his chance, and we may also have Julian Grey starting, although he, in theory, probably needs a couple of reserve outings to get match fit.

As for the opposition, Leeds are still sweating on the fitness of leading goalscorer Jermaine Beckford who has missed the last two games through injury.

Defender Patrick Kisnorbo once again looks set to be missing as he struggles to overcome an ankle injury and he would likely to be replaced by Michalik. The former Bolton man isn’t quite of the same class as Kisnorbo, it has to be said.

Leeds are also still without long term injured Shane Higgs and Ben Parker.

Predictions?

Leeds, since their win at Old Trafford, something which, knowing their fans, probably means they are calling themselves Champions of England, to go along with the “Champions of Europe” chant they are so fond of just because they got to the final once, have seen their form go somewhat to pieces. They have drawn at home with Wycombe, then lost away at Exeter, lost at home to Carlisle, lost heavily at Swindon, beaten Colchester at home and drawn at Hartlepool and Orient. Six points out of a possible twenty one, then and Norwich now lead them be four points. They do have two games in hand, however, and need to win them and should be up for this one. They have a home record of won 10, drawn 4, lost 0. Ooops. Home win, I’m afraid.