Mark views Leeds match as perfect time to return to winning ways
Town Manager Mark Robins wants to see another attacking performance like the one at Leicester, but knows that his side have to start picking up points.
Kasper Schmeichel was arguably the Foxes’ Man of the Match when Town visited the King Power Stadium last Saturday, with the Dane having to make a number of fine saves to preserve his side’s lead.
The defeat for Town was its second on the bounce and means that Mark Robins’ men go into Saturday’s West Yorkshire derby without a win in five games.
“We need to perform at a consistently high standard and then we will be able to compete with the top teams in the division,” said Mark. “I’m not stupid, though, and I know that we need to start picking up points; we have only one three games this season, which isn’t enough. We are trying to go about things differently on the field this season and at times it has been good to watch.
“There are bragging rights at stake and tomorrow is no different; hopefully the weather will be a little better and allow for some decent football to be played,” Mark added. “The players and I are looking forward to the game.
“It will be an interesting and exciting day. Leeds is a big club with plenty of history, but we are a proud club that has strong traditions.”
United ended its poor run of form with a comprehensive victory over Birmingham last weekend.
“Leeds will be buoyant after the victory; they played tremendously in a new system. I know the team that I will be putting out tomorrow and know the threats that Leeds have, which are even greater following the signing of Dexter Blackstock.”
Town will also be without James Vaughan, for the first time this season, following his red card against Leicester.
“We have known all week that we are going to be without him for Saturday and until we return from the international break,” said Mark. “We are working with James to make sure that he does the maximum during his suspension to make sure that he comes back firing on all cylinders. There is a plan in place for him to make sure that he stays sharp.
“He is devastated to be out for such a lengthy amount of time and deeply regrets his actions against Leicester. We have other players who can come in and stake a claim for his shirt; I would much rather have him involved in the team, but it is great that someone gets an opportunity. The balance of the team will shift slightly and that is something that we will have to adapt to quickly.”
