Daniel Farke will love what Andros Townsend has just said about ‘horrible’ Leeds United

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Daniel Farke has often made the point about making Leeds United a fortress, whether that be in the Championship or the Premier League. Home form will be key to Premier League survival.

This season, Leeds have won eight points from their five home games. Wins against Everton and West Ham, draws against Bournemouth and Newcastle and then an unlucky 2-1 defeat against Tottenham.

Already, it is clear Leeds are a much better side at home. Away from home, Leeds have just three points from four games, beating Wolves but losing to Arsenal, Fulham and Burnley in the opening nine games.

At home, Leeds have two clean sheets and conceded four. Away, Leeds are yet to secure a clean sheet and have conceded nine, playing a game less on the road. Andros Townsend spent a month at Leeds.

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Andros Townsend says playing at Elland Road is “horrible”

It will be like music to Farke’s ears to hear Townsend’s verdict. Making Elland Road a fortress and turning Leeds into a difficult team to play against in Yorkshire will be crucial in Leeds’ fight to avoid relegation.

Farke and Leeds signed 10 players in the summer, nine of whom are over 6ft, with Leeds moving from a technically gifted, possession-based side into a gritty, hard-working, physical outfit during the summer.

On BBC Sport’s Monday Night Club, former Leeds winger Townsend said playing away at Elland Road is “horrible” and made it clear that going to Leeds is a daunting prospect, no matter what the team is.

“In terms of Sunderland and Leeds, going there the hostile atmosphere, the massive stadiums, the amazing pitches, it definitely helps them. It gives them a boost. No club wants to go and play Leeds.

“Leeds away is horrible, no matter what division you’re in, that is not a good place to go and win a football match,” Townsend said, having spent a month at Leeds between January and February 2012.

Leeds have got Elland Road right, but away form key right now

Leeds will be able to give anyone a game at Elland Road. Newcastle and Bournemouth were held, and actually, Leeds could have easily won both games. Farke felt Leeds were unlucky not to beat Spurs.

Getting Elland Road right was crucial this season, but the focus, at least for the next fortnight, will be finding the right solution away from home. In the next two games, Leeds go to Brighton and Forest.

Leeds have struggled at Brighton in the modern era, while a Forest side under Sean Dyche feels like a difficult test. If Leeds can manage to get a point or two out of the next two games, it will be a success.