Andy Goldstein names Leeds United and Sunderland after ‘ridiculous’ questions live on talkSPORT
Andy Goldstein strongly disagreed that Ipswich Town are the toughest team to visit in the Championship, naming Leeds United and Sunderland as two better examples.
The talkSPORT host was asked a string of Ipswich-centric questions on Friday’s show [29 December, 4.42pm], with former Town striker Darren Bent alongside him.
When reading out a question that asked if Portman Road is the most difficult ground for a visiting team to play at, Goldstein took exception.
“Who wrote these questions? They’re so Ipswich heavy it’s ridiculous,” he said. “Is Portman Road the toughest place to go to in the Championship?
“I mean, Elland Road is going to be much more difficult, it really is. I’d say Sunderland as well.”
Co-host Bent added: “If you’re talking footballing reasons, Portman Road is one of the toughest place to go.
“If you’re talking football and hostility, Leeds would be tough. Just hostile – Millwall. A proper fortress.”
Stats don’t lie
Ipswich have enjoyed an incredible first season back in the second tier following promotion last time out, as they sit in second place with 25 matches gone.
The Tractor Boys have taken 30 points from a possible 39 on home soil this season, which is the joint-best return of any side along with division leaders Leicester City.
Leeds, for comparison’s sake, have taken 28 points from one game less, placing them fourth on the home table behind those aforementioned teams and Southampton (29 points).
The Whites will therefore move to the top of that particular table should they win their ‘game in hand’ against Birmingham City on Monday (1 January).
There is surely no better barometer as to what the toughest ground to visit is than the home form table, given there is a large enough sample size now.
On that basis, Leeds’ points-per-game average at Elland Road does indeed make it the toughest ground to visit in the Championship.
In other Leeds United news, Lee Hendrie changed his mind live on Sky Sports over a decision made in the Whites’ loss to West Brom.