Mr Marmite and Blackpool rock.

Leeds welcome Blackpool to the Theatre of Hope for the first league meeting in 41 years on Wednesday.  We nearly played them much more recently though.  On that fateful day in April 2007 when the delayed draw against Ipswich at Elland Road condemned Leeds to sink into Division 3 the kop sought solace in singing "we're all off to Blackpool" in an attempt at gallows humour as the relegation trapdoor swung ominously open.  Problem was the Tangerine bastards then spoilt a good potential weekend away day by upsetting the odds and winning the Play Off final and therefore passing us on their way up to the Championship.  Now who was their manager at the time?  This time round we meet the Seasiders after their adventure into the promised land of the Premier League where they won plenty of admirers for the way their current manager, Ian Holloway, and the team approached the daunting task of facing the giants of the Money Grabbing League.  The drop down into the Championship has seen an exodus of talent away from Bloomfield Road though and Holloway's men have found it difficult to compete in this ultra competitive division especially of late losing 3 of their last 4 games.  Hopefully that poor run will be extended in LS11.

Whilst Sunday's draw with Cardiff was frustrating in the extreme there were some positives to come out of the game.  Paddy Kisnorbo got some much needed game time after the withdrawal of the dazed O'Dea and slotted back into the back four as if he'd never been away.  Admittedly Cardiff's attack hasn't got that lethal edge they had last year but it was good to see Kissy launching into clearing headers like a gnarled boxer punishing his punch bag.  Aidey White continues to grow in confidence with every game and his intelligent linking with Pugh down the left flank is proving a real bonus.  Not quite as potent as Mad Max in his prime but coupled with a much more robust defensive presence on the flank the combination of the two left footers is a real plus for the mighty whites.  Snoddy proved a handful for the Welsh defence and slotted home the equaliser to cap an excellent performance but there are still plenty of Snoddy critics bemoaning the fact he doesn't beat his man every single time he gets the ball.  Leeds fans are so demanding at times!  The one player who seems to have taken over the role of Mr Marmite in the team is Johnny Howson.  Clearly his best position is not in a centre midfield pairing of two which tends to stifle his natural attacking tendencies.  He is much more effective when he has an advanced role where he can surge at the defence and score vital goals, a la Scunny and Burnley away last year.  His critics are harsh in my opinion.  No he is not the most creative player when he plays in a deeper role but he does win some good ball and keeps a decent shape to the Leeds midfield enabling a better passing game to develop which has helped the natural attacking style Leeds try to play.

So Blackpool is another midweek encounter with all the hassle of reaching the Theatre of Hope in time for kick off.  I can't see the worrying trend of low crowds changing for this game so I suppose the ones that do get to the game will have to shout just that bit louder than usual.  O'Dea is out due to the bang on his head he received against Cardiff.  Ross Mac will be seething at not getting the international call for Scotland especially as Jordan Rhodes multitude of goals in Division 3 have earned him a place in the squad.  Never mind Ross go and take it out on the Tangerines and let's make Blackpool rock!  3 goals and 3 points me thinks?
Can't wait.
MOT.