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Barnsley vs Leeds: Ezgjan Alioski sends message to fans ahead of Yorkshire derby
LEEDS UNITED winger Ezgjan Alioski has vowed to “fight for local pride” against Barnsley (12.30pm).
Barnsley vs Leeds: Ezgjan Alioski is gunning for local pride
Oakwell has been a tricky ground for Leeds in recent seasons, losing four of the last five games on the Tykes’ turf.
The Whites head to South Yorkshire in woeful form but Alioski has been a bright spark of late, scoring in each of the last three games.
He is determined to shine once again and, in a message on Twitter, said: “Let's fight for local pride & three points in the derby against Barnsley! MOT!”
Leeds head into the game on the back of Wednesday night’s 4-1 defeat at Championship leaders Wolves.
Let's fight for local pride & three points in the derby against Barnsley!
Alioski, along with fellow attacking midfielders Samuel Saiz and Pablo Hernandez, supported makeshift striker Kemar Roofe at Molineux and in last Sunday’s win against Middlesbrough.
Roofe has been leading the line as a result of Pierre-Michel Lasogga’s absence.
The former Oxford star has mostly featured on the wing since signing for Leeds but is hoping to impress up top.
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“When I was a kid, I always trained as a striker and gradually I moved out out, but then at Oxford I was upfront and scored my goals, and hopefully I can continue to play upfront for Leeds,” he said.
Leeds go to Barnsley without Lasogga and winger Stuart Dallas (ankle).
Tom Bradshaw is a doubt for the home side after being involved in a car accident on Wednesday night but defender Angus MacDonald (foot) has returned to training and should be available.
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