Martin Keown says what Daniel Farke must do to get Leeds United promoted this season

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Leeds United have made an indifferent start to the Championship campaign after losing Saturday’s clash against Burnley at Elland Road, finding themselves with just eight points from five games.

Draws against Portsmouth and West Brom were followed by two successive 2-0 wins over Sheffield Wednesday and Hull City before the break, keeping an impressive three clean sheets on the trot.

On Saturday, there were hopes of a big win against a side expected to be fighting for the top two with Leeds in the form Burnley. But, Manor Solomon’s mistake allowed Luca Koleosho to score for Burnley.

It proved to be the only goal of the game as Leeds suffered a first defeat of the season in the League. Plenty to work on and it might be that next Saturday against Cardiff, Farke makes some big changes.

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Keown identifies what Leeds need to do to get promoted

There is no doubt that manager Farke has a squad capable of promotion. While last season’s squad might have been better individually with Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville, it feels more collective.

However, the defeat on Saturday is a blow and reminder at the difficulty of this division. Keown told TalkSPORT on Monday morning (11.37AM, 16/09) that Leeds must become incredible away from home.

“I am just thinking back to my career when I was at Villa. We got relegated. We could hardly win a game at home. Villa Park, fantastic venue, everyone rocks up,” Keown told TalkSPORT when discussing Leeds.

“It’s like a Wembley situation, everyone saves their best performance away. We were magnificent, won 13 away games. That’s what Leeds have got to do, win away from home and find a way to win at home.”

It makes sense, especially after Zian Flemming’s comments

The new Burnley striker made his debut against Leeds after completing a £7m move from Millwall. He impressed, the Dutchman enjoying a battle with Joe Rodon with Burnley coming out the victors.

Burnley’s Flemming said Leeds away is probably the hardest game of the season, after the match: “Obviously, Elland Road, Leeds, it’s one of the toughest, if not the toughest games of the season.”

Keown is right in that teams, even Burnley if Flemming’s comments are anything to go by, turn up to Leeds as if it is their Cup final. Leeds then, must learn to win away from home and pick up points.