Leeds United's title charge continues as they host playoff contenders West Bromwich Albion at Elland Road this Saturday. Top of the league with 75 points from 34 matches, they have positioned themselves as the team to beat, particularly at home, where they have a staggering 14 wins, two draws, and one defeat for the season. Fifth-placed Baggies, on 51 points, will receive a stern test as they try to bolster their chances of making it to the playoffs.
The recent pattern strongly plays into the hands of the home team, given Leeds' rate of two goals per home game and their sheer consistency over the season. West Brom, however, come to Elland Road with a disturbing away record of having failed to win one of their last 10 away games. The vulnerabilities at the back for the visitors, evidenced by conceding a goal in their last 12 matches, could be the recipe for disaster for their attack in playing against Leeds.
The past still has one secret to share on this pivotal Championship tie. West Brom have not tasted victory on Elland Road since 2007, whereas Leeds have never lost at home to their Midlands rivals in their previous four matches. The division's top marksmen will engage in a shootout that will be fascinating, with Leeds' Joel Piroe (14 goals) and West Brom's Josh Maja (12 goals) to leave their stamp on what will be a season-defining encounter for both teams.
With Leeds' impressive 90% record of winning at home when they go ahead first and the match historically averaging 2.4 goals, Elland Road fans can expect a thrilling contest that could have serious implications for both sides of the promotion battle. For Leeds, it is another step closer to automatic promotion for West Brom, it is an opportunity to get their away form back on track and enhance their playoff hopes.
Betting Predictions
Primary bet: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.73
Secondary bet: Leeds to win @ 1.33
Leeds' fantastic home goal-scoring record at a top level of two per match and West Brom's frequent away goal-scoring mean of 1.28 per game suggests over 2.5 is a good option. Advanced statistical analysis foretells this score with 74.05% confidence, with great value from the odds available at 1.73.
The visitors' attack, spearheaded by merciless Joel Piroe with 14 goals on his record for this season, also contributes to believing in a goal-fest.
The Yorkshire side's formidable home record of 14 victories, two draws and one defeat this season makes them red-hot favourites at Elland Road. Having won their previous four Championship matches, Leeds face a West Brom side who are having trouble away from home, not having won their last 10 away matches.
While there has been the occasional draw throughout their historical meetings, Leeds' current home dominance, including an intimidating 11-5 aggregate of goals in head-to-head matches within their grounds of Elland Road, rightfully benefits both of these choices here.
Editorial Pick
It's hard to pick against Leeds at home. Daniel Farke's side are imperious at Elland Road. West Brom won't be an easy win for them, but they should take all three points without too much trouble in the end.
