When Leeds United last played Sheffield United at Elland Road, the Whites won. This time at Bramall Lane could be much different, though.
The home advantage always plays a huge factor in such critical games like the one between Leeds United and Sheffield United at the top of the Championship table on Monday.
Leeds boast just the third-best away record in the league whilst Sheffield United boast the second-best home record, behind only Leeds who sit in 1st place of the overall Championship table right now, compared to the Blades in 2nd.
Both teams go into this game in strong form, and on the back of impressive wins with Leeds United coming from behind to beat Sunderland 2-1, and Sheffield United winning away at Luton Town.
The last time the two teams met back in October, Leeds beat Sheffield United 2-0 on home soil. Daniel Farke’s side will be wary of playing the Blades at their Bramall Lane fortress, but speaking after the previous game at Elland Road, Chris Wilder explained exactly how Leeds beat Sheffield United.
Leeds United already have a blueprint for Sheffield United crunch match
Pascal Struijk and Mateo Joseph were on the scoresheet last time Leeds played Sheffield United. And after Struijk’s late brace against Sunderland, the towering Dutchman could return to the XI on Monday to give Leeds that added aerial presence.
But it’s in attack where Wilder admitted defeat in their last meeting. Speaking after the last meeting between the two teams, Wilder hailed Leeds United’s attacking pace and sharpness, saying: “They were better in all departments. Played quicker, sharper, greater attacking threat. Had bits and pieces of the game, but not enough to trouble them. Their squad is laden with quality. We have played no teams of this calibre before tonight.”
Leeds’ frontline has certainly been firing on all cylinders of late. Between Joel Piroe, Manor Solomon, Brenden Aaronson, and Dan James, the quartet have 39 goals in the Championship, which is more than half of Leeds’ 68 total Championship goals this season.
Leeds United plan for Sheffield United faces one hurdle
It’s always easier said than done, but Farke just needs to rely on his frontline doing what they normally do on Monday night, albeit against a Sheffield United side who’ve only conceded 23 goals in 33 Championship games this season, second only to Leeds.
But Farke faces one major issue in all of that which is the injury to Manor Solomon. Solomon is a doubt to face Sheffield United after suffering a bruised ankle in the last outing against Sunderland, but thankfully for Farke, he has quality to call upon.
Wilfried Gnonto may slot straight in on the right and for Leeds, that’s a very worthy replacement. As Wilder said after their last meeting, Leeds have so much attacking threat and if they’re at their sharpest, quickest best on Monday, they should get through the game with all three points.
But Sheffield United are stubborn at the back and boast their own attacking prowess. Kick off is at 8pm and for information on how to watch, click here.
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