County v Leeds

It’s the biggest game of the season for County so far, as Leeds Utd visit Edgeley Park to a sell out crowd of over 10,000.

Leeds of course, have just appointed former County player Simon Grayson as manager, and they rescued themselves on Boxing Day with a 90th minute equaliser at table topping Leicester.

County lie in 7th place, and will head into the New Year in 7th place regardless of results tomorrow.

The Hatters are coming into the game off the back of a disappointing loss against Walsall on Boxing Day, but the team will be up for it in front of a big crowd on a big stage. Game on.

Vital Quotes:

Jim Gannon: ‘They`re a big side. It will be a big atmosphere and let`s hope we have a big game.’

‘They`ve got a new manager and key players coming back and despite their current form it will be a real challenge for us.’

County Team News:

stockportcounty.com

County are still without Michael Raynes (hamstring) and Matty McNeil (back), who will be targetting the Cheltenham game for a return. Gary Dicker is also highly unlikely to play after sustaining a severe knock during the challenge which saw Michael Ricketts sent off during yesterday’s defeat at Walsall.

BBC Sport:

Stockport will again be without defender Michael Raynes (hamstring) and striker Matt McNeil (back).

Peter Thompson looks set to replace Gary Dicker, who picked up an injury in the 1-0 Boxing Day defeat at Walsall.

Player to watch: Peter Thompson

A lot has been said about the money spent on Pistol Pete and the subsequent run of games on the sidelines for the Irishman, but with Gary Dicker out with an injury, this may be the perfect oppurtunity to play 4-4-2 at home and put Peter Thompson up top with a partner, something he has been crying out for since the summer.

With target man Craig Davies along side him (assuming Thommo startts of course), then there’s no better time for Thompson to finally shine for the Hatters.

Leeds Team News:

BBC Sport:

Robert Snodgrass should start for Leeds after he came on to score his third goal in three games last time out.

That would mean Jermaine Beckford or Luciano Becchio dropping to the bench. Jonny Howson could replace Andy Robinson if his hamstring flares up.

Player to watch: Robert Snodgrass

Snodgrass has scored three in three for United, including one in the last minute to salvage a point for Leeds on Boxing Day, and a superb bicycle kick against 2nd placed MK Dons last week.

Will be a huge threat for the fairly inexperienced duo of Jim McNulty and James Tunnicliffe, especially with either Luciano Becchio or Jermain Beckforn partnering him.

Match Odds

County – 7/5
Draw – 9/4
Leeds – 6/4

Match Prediction:

2-0 County. A magnificent upset for the Hatters provided by Craig Davies and Peter Thompson.

Come on, we were 5th in League One last week, let me carry on dreaming!

Next Fixtures:

Tuesday 6th January ’09

Stockport v Cheltenham

Edgeley Park

Coca Cola League One

7:45pm