The manager merry-go-round in the Premier League is in full swing, and two major changes have seen Leeds United miss out on playing teams at their worst.
A defeat to Burnley leaves the mood around Leeds quite subdued this week. United need to bounce back as they return to Elland Road on Friday evening.
West Ham, meanwhile, are looking to kickstart their season after bringing in Nuno Espirito Santo to replace Graham Potter.
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Leeds United hoping to halter Nuno Espirito Santo’s hopes of West Ham bounce
The international break probably came at the best time for West Ham and Nuno. The 51-year-old was given a decent period to get his ideas across to a struggling Irons side.
Nuno Espirito Santo is looking for a positive turn of form at West Ham. (REUTERS/Tony O Brien)
Nuno’s arrival comes following a terrible run of form for his predecessor Graham Potter. He won just six of 25 games in all competitions and his dismissal came as no surprise.
The timing of Leeds’ game against West Ham is less than ideal. Given Nuno’s efforts to make the Irons a much tougher side to play against, we can expect a more organised setup than we would have done if Potter kept his job.
EDIT: Of course, West Ham have just been beaten 2-0 at home by Brentford, and by all accounts, looked abysmal. That could be ideal for United, but it could also provoke a reaction from Nuno this week.
Nottingham Forest also ditch Ange Postecoglou ahead of looming Leeds United fixture
Another missed opportunity for Leeds comes in the form of Nottingham Forest. United travel to the City Ground in early November, amidst huge changes and turmoil for Forest.
Their decision to ditch now-West Ham boss Nuno came under scrutiny, given his work to lift them from relegation candidates to Europa League status.
His replacement, Ange Postecoglou was a horrific appointment, though. Eight games and just 40 days at the helm were enough for Mr Marinakis to sack the Australian, as their winless run continued with a 3-0 drubbing at home to Chelsea.
Nottingham Forest sacked Ange Postecoglou immediately after defeat to Chelsea. (Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra)
Postecoglou had barely left the dugout before he was sacked minutes after full-time, leaving the Reds looking for their third manager of the season already.
The issue for Leeds as they take on Forest next month is that their next appointment looks set to be Sean Dyche. It signals a clear intent, some might say panic, to batten down the hatches and also make Forest a harder side to beat than what they’ve been all season so far.
West Ham under Potter looked a very poor and disorganised team, so did Forest under Ange. Unfortunately for Leeds, they won’t get the chance to heap on the misery like others have.
Read more: Leeds United hold unique advantage over West Ham ahead of Friday…