Derby 0-1 Leeds: Rams must step up to avoid crashing out with whimper

While Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds are a side capable of restricting their opponents to little by way of meaningful possession or chances, Derby looked completely out of ideas for much of their clash. After a strong start from Frank Lampard’s side it was the visitors who were in control for the majority of the match.

Lampard’s decision to plump for the experience of David Nugent up front in the absence of the injured Martyn Waghorn backfired and gave a Leeds defence missing Pontus Jansson little to worry about. Indeed, to have just seven shots at home and not test the visiting keeper once was a feeble attempt by the Rams, and there will surely be a change at Elland Road.

Elsewhere Harry Wilson and Mason Mount had very little impact on the game and will need to stand up to what will be a tough task on Wednesday. Instead Duane Holmes looked liveliest for the hosts and should keep his place in a midfield that was otherwise outfought and outthought.

While playoff football is considered a lottery by many, Leeds fans will rightly feel confident of their chances. For the third time this season against Derby they were comfortable winners, and in Kemar Roofe they have a forward that has now scored in all three of said meetings.

There will certainly be a recognition of the fact that Derby’s decisive players aren’t all likely to be quite so ineffective but the Whites certainly seem to have the Rams number. They’ve done their homework…

Berardi was strong in stepping up to replace, which was perhaps the one question mark ahead of kick-off, but any injuries between now and full time on Wednesday will be a concern. 19-year-old Jamie Shackleton had to replace Adam Forshaw midway through the first half and was one of five teenagers on the Leeds bench. Sub keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell, having turned 22 in October, was the eldest.

One thing we've learned too many times this season as far as Derby are concerned, however, is that Leeds are a superior side when at full-strength, so the fact that the case remained with a handful of senior players missing suggests that Wednesday's visitors will need to have their best game of the season to turn things around.