Saturday saw Leeds United pick up their seventh Championship win in their 13th outing and go within three points of leaders Sunderland, beating Plymouth 3-0 at Elland Road.
Goals from Dan James, Joel Piroe and Brenden Aaronson saw Leeds close the gap on Regis Le Bris’ side who were unable to beat QPR having gone down to 10 men, Jobe Bellingham shown a straight red card.
Leeds were comfortable and did not need to get out of second gear to ease past Wayne Rooney’s side, who decided to play for a point and attempt to park the bus – often Plymouth playing with a back six.
Argyle failed to register a single shot and had an XG of 0 after the match. Leeds meanwhile, will feel they could have scored five or six as Rooney’s men were comfortably beaten at Elland Road on Saturday.
Ilia Gruev admits sadness but says he can walk again on Saturday
Ahead of the match, Ilia Gruev was on punditry duties with LUTV. The Bulgaria star is still sidelined with an injury, as Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka continue to deputise for Gruev and Ampadu in central midfield.
The knee injury that Gruev suffered away at Norwich required surgery and on Saturday ahead of the 3-0 win, the left-footed ace said he was allowed to remove his crutches and brace and now “can walk again”.
“I’m good, I’m feeling better. A sad moment for me, my first big injury. Today I took my crutches off, my brace – I can walk again. It has been a big frustration, I didn’t know how long I was going to be out.”
Does Ilia Gruev start for Leeds when he returns from injury?
He might have a battle on his hands in getting back to full fitness, but the former Werder Bremen ace will find it even harder to get back in the side when he is fit given the form of on-loan Rothwell and Tanaka.
Neil Redfearn was impressed with Tanaka and Rothwell on Saturday, as they kept things ticking for Leeds in the middle. With all four fit, it will be interesting to see who Farke starts with as Leeds eye promotion.
| Combination from start | Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals | Goals against | Points per game |
| Tanaka and Rothwell | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 12 | 4 | 2.00 |
| Gruev and Ampadu | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 3 | 2.20 |
Stuart Dallas believes Rothwell is going to give Farke an impending headache. But with Ampadu and Gruev injured at least for the next month or so, the Leeds boss is left to simply start Rothwell and Tanaka.
Next up for Leeds is a trip to London on Wednesday night, when they take on rivals Millwall. A win could see Leeds climb to the top of the Championship table, before hosting QPR at Elland Road on Saturday.
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