Jermaine Beckford has given his prediction for Leeds United’s upcoming trip to Bristol City.
Leeds have a good record at Ashton Gate over the years but face a Bristol City side who are unbeaten in their last six matches in the Championship.
Daniel Farke‘s side have been in good form themselves over the last month or so and enter this fixture on the back of consecutive wins over Sheffield United and Watford.
That said, Leeds look set to be without a couple of key players from those victories, the first of which is Junior Firpo due to suspension.
His left-side partner Largie Ramazani also looks set to miss out through injury after limping off inside 15 minutes of the game on Tuesday night, with a suspected twisted ankle.
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Beckford predicts Bristol City vs Leeds
Former Leeds striker Beckford delivered his prediction for the game on talkSPORT earlier this morning and pinpointed the full-back positions as where the game could be decided.
Without Firpo, he believes Sam Byram will be chosen ahead of Isaac Schmidt at left-back, which will actually be the first change Farke has to make to his back four all season.
Going the other way, Leeds have arguably the best crop of wingers in the division and so one of Dan James or Manor Solomon will come into replace Ramazani.
Beckford is anticipating a very entertaining game for the neutral but expects Leeds to continue their unbeaten run of form on the road.
He said: “It’s going to be a really interesting and intriguing game for the neutral. I think the game is going to be won or lost in the full-back position. Junior Firpo is out suspended for Leeds, so Sam Byram will come in.
“The full-backs for Bristol, I think it’s McCrorie and Tanner, they are going to have their hands full today up against Willy Gnonto and possibly Dan James or Solomon.
“I am not sure Ramazani’s ankle is going to be right. So I think that’s where the game is going to be win or lost. Really, really good game for the neutral, but I think I am going to stick with my guys. We are going to continue the away (record).”
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Leeds’ record at Ashton Gate
As mentioned, Ashton Gate has been a happy hunting ground for Leeds over the years and it would be a big win if they can continue that on Saturday.
The Whites have won each of the last four trips to Bristol City in the Championship, with their one and only defeat in the last 14 years coming in 2016.
Last season, Leeds ran out 1-0 winners thanks to Wilfried Gnonto’s second half winner, which was a huge goal in the context of his season.
Leeds should’ve won by more that night and similar performance on Saturday would go a long way to sealing three points.
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