The Leeds Game Keeper Conundrum

[Mellotron]

So...would you rather:

An 80% fit, slightly struggling but in-form Kuipers?

or

Smith, with possibly his confidence a bit shot?

 

[hans kraay fan club]

On this specific occassion, Kuipers, no question.

 

[Mellotron]

I voted for Coopers because I think he is good in games where we know we're going to be in for a bit of bombardment on our goal (ie a Brad Friedel trenches type).

It's in games where we are more comfortable that he will get bored and do something a bit stupid, on my experience.

 

[Tomo1794]

smiths guaranteed to let 4 in a game so... kuipers

 

[Taybha]

fully fit smith, lets be fair on the lad, he has not been at fault for any of the goals the Team have conceded,a clean sheet last night would have done him the power of good even if it was only 45 mins.

 

[strings]

I would worry that if we put on an 80% fit Kuipers, we may cause him further injury and to be out for a longer period of time. Remember what happened with 80% fit Murray last season?

I would give Smith a chance, unless Kuipers was 100% fit.

 

[The Wizard]

No point risking Kuipers if it could do more damage, as I said earlier, Smith deserves a chance behind a back 4 who defend properly.

 

[Icy Gull]

If FDM is not fit I'd go with Smith. We need to find out if he's worth keeping and he'd had a pretty torrid time, often with a player short. It could be the making or breaking of him but now's as good a time as any to find out imo. My only reservation is that he is likely to get ironic cheers from Albion fans for any early saves which won't do his confidence, or concentration any good at all.

 

[Napper]

Don't really want Smith near it if it can be avoided

 

[tottenhamseagull]

Stick the first year scholar lad in who played well last Tuesday night!

 

[Ninja Elephant]

Michel Kuipers

But I do think Graeme Smith will become the new Jim Leighton in a few years.

 

[ali jenkins]

Kuipers.

Its only a groin injury so if he can get someone to do the goal kicks then I cant see it being much of a problem!

Edit: I meant to add, as long as his injury doesnt stop him moving about his goal

 

[GT49er]

Don't really want Smith near it if it can be avoided

Know what you mean...........

Stick the first year scholar lad in who played well last Tuesday night!

Yeh, why not?

 

[Simon Morgan]

I would say Smith, if Kuipers isn't right. No point risking Kuipers' fitness, there must be a reason GS played in the SPL

 

[mcshane in the 79th]

Kuipers. Feel very sorry for Smith though. He needs a run of games not just the odd one here and there, our league position doesn't currently allow it IMO.

 

[Gwylan]

If a player is only about 80% fit, it's always a mistake to play him. I'd have thought any England fan watching Rooney and Owen struggle in the last World Cup would have learned that particular lesson by now.

 

[Bigtomfu]

there must be a reason GS played in the SPL

Yep. Mark McGhee. He could have had Van Der Saar on loan from Utd, wouldn't have seen the best keeper for all the pine trees in Sweden and then picked GS week in week out.

Joking aside I voted COOPERS as he inspires on occasions like this but if he really isn't fit then don't risk it I guess.

 

[FLOG GNAW]

Pelling.

 

[pork pie]

FDM or someone on loan.

 

[BUTTERBALL]

Kuipers - let someone else do the kicking.