With the international break now over, attention turns to Leeds United’s tough clash against Burnley on the weekend and Championship pundit Sam Parkin has predicted the outcome.
Leeds have made a solid start to the 2024-25 Championship campaign despite an inauspicious start to the season on the opening day, with Daniel Farke’s men unable to beat Portsmouth and close to losing.
A topsy-turvy game that saw Leeds go 3-2 behind due to a penalty, only for Brenden Aaronson to score an equaliser and then miss a golden chance to put Leeds 4-3 ahead. Then, a 3-0 loss to Middlesbrough.
That came in the Carabao Cup but since then, three clean sheets in a row starting with a solid point at West Brom before 2-0 wins over Sheffield Wednesday and Hull City which leaves Leeds in fourth place.
Sam Parkin predicts Leeds clash against Burnley on Saturday
Burnley meanwhile have suffered defeat in their four games, losing to early front runners Sunderland. Scott Parker has a very new side full of new signings including the loan addition of Jaidon Anthony.
Connor Roberts has returned to Burnley from Leeds and the duo combined on the right in Burnley’s last game, a 1-1 draw with Blackburn. They come into the game winless in three, losing to Wolves in the Cup.
Football League legend Parkin told the What The EFL?! podcast that he thinks Leeds are slight favourites to win the game on Saturday given Leeds have home advantage and Burnley have flattered to deceive.
“They are creating a lot in comparison to Burnley. Burnley’s return of ten goals flatters them greatly. All of a sudden, after the debacle of the opening two games where they conceded six, Leeds have looked solid.
“I make Leeds the favourites. Just with the continuity that they have with Daniel Farke and less carnage, I’d fancy them to win this one narrowly,” Parkin continued when predicting who would win on Saturday.
Injury status of Leeds squad ahead of Burnley clash
Leeds have potentially three injuries. There were concerns regarding Wilfried Gnonto after he was subbed at half-time in the first of two Italy U21 fixtures during the break, but he told Leeds he was perfectly fine.
He played the majority of Italy’s next game, so no issues there. The three injuries Leeds could have are Dan James, Patrick Bamford and Max Wober. Wober is said to have picked up a knee injury with Austria.
Bamford missed the win over Hull and given his injury history, it is likely he is rested until fully fit again. With James, it might be a case of touch and go over whether his hamstring injury is okay before Saturday.
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