Without their key creative cog, how will Garry Monk’s side fare against the runaway league leaders?
15 years ago, Leeds and Newcastle had a regular reservation at the top table of European football.
While a Gaizka Mendietta-inspired Valencia cut short the Yorkshire giants’ Champions League dream the semi-final stage, the Magpies were just months away from welcoming Barcelona, Inter Milan and Juventus to St James’ Park.
It’s fair to say the intervening years have been rather less kind to two of English football’s most loyal and passionate fanbases. However, while Leeds have been to League One and back and Newcastle’s brief flirtation with the top four gave way to three years of struggle and inevitable relegation, the good times appear to be returning as two of the nation’s sleeping giants prepare to do battle in the league for the first time since 2004.
However, Leeds’ hopes of extending their three game winning run will surely be tested by the absence of Spanish schemer Pablo Hernandez, the creative hub of Garry Monk’s in-form side.
Outstanding in their thrilling win at Norwich last time out, a hamstring strain means his incisive through-balls and technical expertise will be sorely lacking in the Championship’s flagship fixture.
So how badly will his absence to be felt at Elland Road on Sunday? Here is a look at what fans had to say…
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