City v Leeds Utd. Match preview

Last updated : 09 August 2005 By Michael Morris
There are suggestions we could see a 15 - 16,000 crowd at Ninian Park tonight, possibly more.

It's the first home game of the season and it's one City must get something from. Leeds kicked off their campaign with a 2 - 1 win over Millwall at Elland Rd on Sunday and they will be in confident mood.

City must overcome the disappointment of the 1 - 0 defeat at Ipswich and look to pick up points the two home games this week.

Dave Jones is likely to include Jason Koumas in the squad after he missed the trip to Ipswich with a slight strain. It's also expected that Alan Lee will start after the decision to play Paul Parry upfront at Portman Rd failed to produce.

Jones needs to bring in more strikers. Even if the current forwards start to hit the net Jones still wants to strengthen.

'We still need to add to the squad,' Jones told the Echo.

'We only have three strikers. We are still looking to wheel and deal and if someone becomes available then we will have a go for them, but there isn't a great deal around.

'No-one wants to let anyone go because of the window so it is a frustrating time for everybody. But it gives the people who have the shirt the chance to stake their claim and if they do then it makes my job harder.'

Midfielder Kevin Cooper will be one of at least 5 players making their home debuts. Cooper along with Purse, Cox, Whitley and Darlington are likely to start. Koumas, Mulryne Loovens should be on the bench. Andrea Ferretti was not in the 16 at Ipswich.

City will have look out for Leeds strier David Healy. He scored both goals on Sunday as Leeds opened up with a win.

With the recent history between the teams the atmosphere will be red hot. Don't miss it.

ps. Anyone remember this day? - 6th January 2002.