David Prutton has shared his prediction for Leeds United’s return to Championship action against Sheffield United.
Following a two-week international break which has given them plenty of time to stew on that heart-breaking draw at Sunderland, Leeds will be looking to become the first team to beat the Blades in the league this season.
On top of it being a Yorkshire derby, this has all the makings of a fiery affair based on what has happened between the two clubs recently, none more so than in the most recent summer window.
Chris Wilder was left frustrated at Jayden Bogle’s decision to join Leeds from Sheffield United, but was even more so after a £13 million bid for Gustavo Hamer by Elland Road bosses.
Wilder is expecting some ‘pantomime’ from Leeds fans this evening but that will only add to what should be an entertaining game under the lights.
Prutton predicts Leeds vs Sheffield United score
Heading into the game, both sides currently occupy a position in the Championship’s top five. Leeds sit fifth, while Sheffield United are in second.
Leeds can climb above tonight’s opponents with any kind of victory, which would turn a solid start into a very good one considering they have played five of the Championship’s top seven after tonight, with the sixth and final one to come on Tuesday in Watford.
That said, on paper this looks like Leeds’ toughest test yet. That is reflected in Prutton‘s prediction on the latest Essential EFL Podcast, with the former Leeds midfielder struggling to split the two sides.
He said: “Cracking game in the offing to get the Championship back up and running. It feels like it’s been ages, plenty of time for Leeds to stew on that [Sunderland draw] and plenty of time for Sheffield United to focus on that unbeaten run.
“You will have two games going absolutely at it, attacking the game. You have got a team that’s unbeaten, a team with a wonderful defensive record, and you’ve got a team in Leeds who were so close to being top of the league before the international break but for that mistake by Illan Meslier.
“It’s setup to be a cracker. Any game that’s at Elland Road under the lights, especially on a Friday. Memories of last season when they played Leicester, they weren’t good for 60-70mins, but they still won and were singing all the way round at the end. The most wonderful atmosphere. This will blow your socks off, I am going Leeds United 2-2 Sheffield United.”
Leeds vs Sheffield United key battles
Everywhere you look on the pitch, there seems to be a battle that could prove decisive. However, Leeds will have to be particularly strong at the back.
Junior Firpo up against former Leeds target Jesurun Rak-Sakyi should be a good tussle, as well as Bogle up against his old teammate Hamer on the other flank.
Going the other way, anyone who has the misfortune of marking Wilfried Gnonto for the Blades will be in for a tough night, whether he is central, or out wide.
Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell will also have to be at their best up against a strong physical and technical midfield pairing of Oli Arblaster and Vinicius Souza.
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