You sure know how to insult a girl.

Saints line up as:

1. Paul Wellens, 2. Ade Gardner, 3. Matt Gidley, 5. Francis Meli, 6. Leon Pryce, 9. Keiron Cunningham, 10. James Graham, 11. Tony Puletua, 12. Jon Wilkin, 13. Chris Flannery, 14. James Roby, 15. Bryn Hargreaves, 16. Scott Moore, 17. Paul Clough, 18. Matty Ashurst, 24. Jonny Lomax, 25. Jake Emmitt, 28. Shaun Magennis, 30. Jamie Foster.

Clarkson is as good a defender as we have and should start - the worry for me is a JJB/Diskin combination anywhere near the middle of the park - if that happens Roby will have a field day. JJB has serious concentration issues and as a result gets out of position - this is exposed virtually every week. I would move him out wider so his frailties are less likely to be on show.

Hopefully Kylie will see limited game time - his contribution is marginal at best - maybe we should have a lottery on the number of fresh airs he has - I go for 7?

We can win but we have to play to our strengths - playing JJB defending in the middle is not one of them - Buderus most play all 80 minutes so no place for Diskin for me.

I'd probably go:

Wellens
Gardner
Gidley
Meli
Lomax/Foster (tough call, be tempted to go Lomax)
Pryce
Moore
Graham
Cunningham
Hargreaves
Wilkin
Ashurst
Flannery

Roby
Puletua
Clough
Emmitt

Shame to leave Magennis out as he looks the business, but he doesn't have a lot of minutes under his belt. Ashurst is that bit more experienced and Emmitt has been in good form at prop.

I'm sure the opposition don't feel Kylie's contribution is marginal when he hits them hard in defence.

If Foster doesn't play for them, and with Eastmond out, who will kick the goals? Wilkin?

For me Leeds have to play a very tight game, building pressure consistently with a much improved kicking game and much better ball retention. As others have said we need to work harder when defending the middle of the field.

With ball in hand, I'd target Leon Pryce and make him tackle, tackle, tackle to wear him out. He and Roby remain the most potent threat ball in had for Saints. If Meli and Foster / Lomax are paired on the right, we need to kick to that side of the field as I'd be confident of a number of "errors" on their part.

Good to have Kirke back and he will need to run his weight against the Saints forwards to tire them out. I'd also consider playing Leuluai from the bench to let him have a bit more impact against a pack that has lost it's initial edge. Bailey and Peacock to start.

I don't see Leeds running away with it, but Saints could if we don't improve. I expect a close game which isn't decided until the last 15 mins or so. We need to up our game considerably to win, but we have it in us.

Some good points and i would add our marker Defence needs to be GF standard and out Discipline needs to be squeaky clean aswell.
For me we stop Roby and Cunningham we stop Saints.

I'm guessing Foster will play. Talk of Gardner being dropped.

If he doesn't Matt Gidley has a left peg like a 9 iron so he'd probably do it. He wouldn't miss any easy kicks.

Well, Clarkson won't give you lead feet in defence and suspect handling from the bench that is for sure.

Clarkson has earned a place in the 13 with his form IMO.

Don't bring form into it. Pah.

Very impressed with Clarkson.

Tough, good work ethic, good lines of run and feet.

I think Clarky has taken the chance he has been given very well. Nothing flash, he has just made sure he does the simple things right and on form, he deserves to be in the 17 on Saturday.

Sorry, I'll hold fire on my opinion about Clarkson's place in this weeks team until I check out his yard per carry stats then I'll get back to you.

Thanks.

Leave intelligent observation at the door.

One interpretation of marginal is one extra - that is the number of big hits Kylie puts in in most matches - what the opposition expose is his lack of mobility and his propensity for rushing out of the line and completely missing the intended target ie a fresh air - this happens far more regularly than any big hits?

Saints are a side that build momentum down the middle - they are bound to challenge his failties - let's see how many big hits he puts on?

You'll see Kylie have his best game in a Leeds jersey tomorrow. He's had an outstanding season and he has been gearing towards this game for the last 2 months. The hulk will tear it up tomoz.

Some fair points serge although i don't think he's as bad as you make out.
We also know and have witnessed him turn it on in the big games so i'd expect more than one "sit down" challenge during the game.

I'm not saying Clarkson doesn't deserve a place, but I don't think he's the kind of player to have on the bench at this stage. We lack players who can offload the ball and Burgess can do that.

Heard Beastwood could be on the bench tomorrow.

Would certainly be a boost if true.

How are ticket sales?

Our allocation sold out last week, extra allocation for top tier of fantastic media stand has also sold out now. You can still get tickets in any of the saints ends

Also heard Eastwood may feature & also Eastmond for Saints

Defence is the key to this one. If we leak in the points as per the last couple of months then can't see anything other than a saints victory

Saints website 'Cunningham urges fans to get behind the Saints'

Whats Eastwoods injury?

Greg Eastwood suffered similar 'knee ligament injuries' to Buderus - both at the start of July.