More of the same for Kemar Roofe and Pablo Hernandez against Reading
It could be a long evening for Paul Clement and his men when they travel to Elland Road on Tuesday to face Leeds United, especially if Kemar Roofe and Pablo Hernandez continue to do what they have been doing for the whole season.
There is only one team being tipped to win the match and, given the fact that Reading are 17 places behind Marcelo Bielsa’s team in the Champions table, the likes of Roofe and Hernandez could make the Royals’ season even more miserable if they hit top form on the night.
The pair have complemented each other really well so far this campaign, and their ability to link-up int he final-third has been pivotal in Leeds’ strong push towards a place in the Premier League next season.
Roofe, 25, already has seven goals in eleven Championship fixtures, while Hernandez has five goals plus four assists, making them a deadly combination for any defence trying to stop them this season.
After a slow start to the match, both of them got on the score-sheet last Saturday in a 2-0 win over Bristol City. Bielsa and his team had to show a massive response against the Robins, following a 4-1 defeat to West Bromwich Albion before the recent international break, and Roofe and Hernandez showed the necessary composure to do exactly that in an inspired second-half performance.
Reading, on the other hand, have only won three out of their last 11 matches and have shown cracks in their back-four, with John O’Shea and Liam Moore two standout weak links in the heart of defence.
Considering the respective weaknesses of both O’Shea and Moore, Roofe and Hernandez have a glorious opportunity to wow the Elland Road crowd this evening.
Their inability to pose any real threat up-front has also been a problem since August and will they have to pull something special out of the bag if they were to really trouble Leeds.
Reading’s defensive issues could present Roofe and Hernandez with a few opportunities at goal and, if they are anywhere near as clinical as they have been so far this season, the likes of O’Shea and Moore simply won’t be able to cope with them.
Leeds fans – thoughts? Let us know below!