Religious conversion, Larry's birthday and crystal balls...another week on Planet Leeds!

Christmas is creeping up fast.  The Turkey is ordered, Xmas cards written and I've even managed to do some Xmas shopping. I must admit I do like Xmas with all it's traditions........all the family round the table for Xmas dinner...........all the family falling asleep in front of the Queen's speech...........and all the family "doing something" together.  This year, under a certain influence from yours truly, the "doing something together" will comprise of a visit to the Theatre of Hope to see the mighty whites take on the league leaders, QPR.  Mint.  So on Saturday along with the Happy Chocker and the Quiet One will be my daughters and partners, brother in law, nephew and Mrs MOT.  Given that one of the group has an allegiance to the Salford Yanks the trip has taken on a missionary theme to convert the "tainted" one to the religion that is Leeds Utd.  I've already warned the person concerned that they might be shocked by the noise, expectation and pure unbridled passion, that we know as At-mos-phere, that they will of course be experiencing for the first time since Jan 3rd this year!

Xmas is a busy time for Football teams and can be either a springboard or a potentially fatal body blow for aspirations of success in the new year.  Leeds enter the festive season on a high due to an 8 match unbeaten run that was unthinkable after that sorry defeat to Cardiff.  The Xmas period sees us entertain QPR, Pompey and Boro at the Theatre of Hope with a trip to the Crisp packet to play Sven's Foxes on Boxing day thrown in for good measure.  Four crucial games before the return spat with Cardiff on Jan 4th.  Wouldn't it be nice to travel to the Valleys still unbeaten?  To do that though I think will need a fit Andy O'Brien, as much as the performance at Burnley was inspiring, the old frailties at the back were once again cruelly exposed by a decent Clarets team epitomised by Bruce's howler that allowed them to take a two goal lead. On the positive side though Leeds have definitely got the look of a team that just don't know when they are beaten driven by the belief that they can score goals against any team in this very competitive division.

On paper QPR look a very good side and the old adage that the "table never lies" supports that assessment.  But with 30,000 fans packed into the famous old stadium roaring the mighty whites on Mr Warnock will be well aware that his charges face their stiffest test of the season so far when they step out onto the Elland Road turf on Saturday afternoon.  One thing for sure is that something has to give, QPR are unbeaten away from Loftus Road and Leeds are unbeaten in 8 games.  Everything is set for another cracking game.  Will Lord Larry get a late birthday present of 3 more points for his promotion pot?  Can Leeds continue their run and eat their Roast Turkey from the lofty heights of the automatic promotion spot?  Let's consult the famous crystal ball................it's clearing now........I hear the kop singing the Argentinian Messiah's name.............I see a Scotsman curling a beauty into the top corner of the net.............I hear Neil Warnock whinging in the post match interview..............I see the numbers 2.1 on the big screen...........I see Glyn Snodin saluting the kop!  Looks good to me.  And all with a fantastic At-mos-phere to boot!  Guess what?
Can't wait.
MOT