By Gelbel
December 24 2013

As the turkey is gradually reduced to a pile of bones, our thoughts turn to the midway point in the league matches. And with it, the chance to avenge a performance as lack lustre as a drooping Christmas tree in the double header season opener.

On their last league outing Nottingham pushed Pirates close; securing a draw at Meadow Lane. They dominated much of the first half and their pack did not give up - earning them the penalty to level the score. Apart from the season opener, their only other wins have been at home. Many of their losses have been close encounters. This is not going to be an easy post-Christmas walk in the park.

While I am predicting a Leeds win over a struggling Nottingham side, there is one thing that hasn't changed that much since the start of the season – Leeds’ penalty count. Leeds got away with their last league win against Bristol due to the latter's stubborn doctrine of refusing to take the points on offer. They won't get away with so much indiscipline on Saturday. However, with our opponents looking for consistency in their performance, Leeds shouldn’t under be under huge amounts of pressure and, therefore, shouldn’t give easy points away.

But what of the team? I wasn't able to make the trip to Brantingham Park so can't comment how Freer or Myerscough performed. I'd be interested to know if they’ve earned their places on the bench. Which means Nilsen gets my starting hooker booth and I'd start with Harris and Currie either side of him. With Hannay’s size, Green’s and Beck’s disruptive skills and Doyle and Rowen breaking the gainline the TV pundits will be purring.

Lozowski or Hughes? I'm going with Hughes as he has good vision and foresight - he's set up a few of the 'wonder' tries we've seen this season. It'll also give him some kicking practice - let's hope he has cracker with his kicking duties. This foul weather is set to improve but gusts of wind are still expected on match day.

The conundrum comes in the centres and the re-signing of Rob Vickerman. I would not break up the starting partnership of Burdon and Griffin; they are building a formidable pairing. Bring Vickerman on as an impact sub and I pose the question; can he cover the wing? For me, this is a much better proposition than sending Griffin out to the side-lines to do little more than wave to make his presence known.

On Saturday grab a shower or bath using your new smellies, put on your new socks, wrap up warm in your Christmas jumper and whatever Santa found for you in the club shop and get yourself down to Headingley and amongst the faithful for, what should be, joyful and triumphant match.

I hope you have the Christmas you wish for.