A tantalising Yorkshire derby is upon us on Saturday as Leeds United host Sheffield Wednesday at Elland Road in the Championship.
Key Takeaways
- Leeds were knocked out of the EFL Cup by Salford City midweek via a penalty shootout
- Sheff Wed also suffered EFL Cup disappointment as they lost on penalties to Mansfield
- The two sides haven’t met since 2020 as Wednesday recorded a 2-0 triumph at Elland Road
It hasn’t been the start that new Leeds head coach Daniel Farke was looking for but they did manage to find their first league win of the season away to Ipswich Town last weekend. As for the visitors, it has been a dreadful return to the second tier and they have lost all four league matches so far this term.
Leeds United Form
The Whites appear to have taken a while to get going but did finally manage to pick up their first three points of the season in their most recent league outing. Leeds were able to hand Championship new boys Ipswich their first defeat of the season with a 4-3 triumph at Portman Road.
Leeds began the campaign with a 2-2 draw at home to Cardiff before defeating Shrewsbury 2-1 in the EFL Cup. However, they failed to go three unbeaten as they lost 1-0 away to Birmingham in the following league match. A 1-1 draw at home to West Brom meant it was a slow start but the win away at Ipswich may help kick-start their season. However, they were halted midweek as they lost to Salford in the EFL Cup.
Sheffield Wednesday Form
It has been an abysmal beginning to the 2023/24 season for the Owls who have lost all but one of their six matches across all competitions. Even their singular triumph had to come via a penalty shootout against Stockport County in the EFL Cup.
Sheff Wed are currently on a run of four straight defeats across all competitions and suffered a penalty shootout defeat midweek against League Two Mansfield. Xisco’s side have lost all four of their Championship matches so far as well, suffering defeats against Southampton, Hull City, Preston North End and Cardiff.
Head-to-Head
A look back to their last visit to Elland Road will be a happier viewing for the visitors as they recorded a 2-0 victory back in January 2020. Leeds also failed to beat Sheff Wed that season as the two sides shared the points at Hillsborough in a 0-0 draw. The Whites’ last triumph over Wednesday came on their own turf in 2019.
Team News
The hosts are set to be without a plethora of players due to injury here. Key players Liam Cooper and Patrick Bamford remain on the sidelines, alongside Dan James, Mateo Joseph, Stuart Dallas, Junior Firpo and Sam Byram. Byram was forced off against Ipswich last week after picking up a groin injury. Ian Poveda is also a doubt.
With issues at full-back, Leeds may hand new loan arrival Djed Spence the start here, whilst Ilia Gruev and Glen Kamara have also recently joined the club. Crysencio Summerville made his return from injury midweek and could be in line to start. Wilfried Gnonto and Luis Sinisterra have been recalled to the team of late, despite speculation regarding their future remaining.
As for the visitors, they are expected to be without Mohamed Diaby due to an ankle issue. Mallik Wilks could be ready to return to action due to his own ankle problem, whilst the likes of Marvin Johnson and Ciaran Brennan have been absent all season.
Key Players
Gnonto’s return is huge for Leeds and he should provide the goal threat. He got himself on the scoresheet against Ipswich last time out for his first goal of the season. The Whites have a host of attacking talent to call upon, with the likes of Sinisterra, Georginio Rutter and Joel Piroe also influential.
Important midfielder and captain Barry Bannan got his first goal of the campaign against Cardiff in the latest league match and is set to start once again in midfield. Veteran forward Lee Gregory will also be looking to make a difference going forward.
How to watch on TV or Online
The clash between Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday will not be available to watch on TV or online in the UK.
Final Thoughts
Leeds will be disappointed they weren’t able to carry on their momentum midweek but they have more than enough firepower to put Sheffield Wednesday to the sword here. The visitors are expected to struggle once more in this one.
Championship