Neil Harris has shared his verdict on who he believes is the best team in the Championship ahead of Leeds United’s trip to Millwall.
With three wins in a row, Millwall are currently one of the most in-form teams in the division. However, they will be facing the most difficult to beat in Leeds, who are the only side to have lost just once.
Harris has been ramping up the importance of Millwall’s clash with Leeds at the Den in the last few days, incredibly suggesting their win over Burnley on Sunday was simply a ‘warm-up’ for Wednesday night.
He has also revealed how it is a game he would love to play in, given his record of eight wins in 15 matches as a player and manager against Leeds during his career.
For the first time in several years, both clubs go into this fixture competing right at the top of the Championship, which should make for an enthralling game.
Harris on who is better – Leeds or Sunderland
Despite being the only side to have only lost once so far this season, Leeds are not actually top of the Championship just yet. That accolade goes to Sunderland.
The Black Cats sit three points clear of Leeds heading into this midweek round of fixtures, with new manager Regis Le Bris having had an instant impact.
Leeds were held to a 2-2 draw by Sunderland at the Stadium of Light last month and but for Illan Meslier’s incredible 97th minute howler, would’ve won the match and been sat top of the table right now.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Harris believes Millwall will be coming up against the ‘best team’ in the league in Leeds tomorrow night, suggesting they are indeed better than Sunderland despite league positions stating otherwise.
He said: “Leeds are the best team I’ve watched this season. I know Sunderland are at the top of the league but Leeds have just got that X-factor and strength in depth in their squad to stay there all season.
“Leeds are certainly the best football team – possession-based – in the league. Sheffield United are just so Championship-ready and experienced in the way they play, along with the experience that Chrissy Wilder has got. They are the two teams (top of the pile). Sunderland and Burnley will be there or thereabouts.
“Leeds are right up there for a reason. They are the only team to get more points than us since mid-February in the Championship. They have got the right to be there.
“We know how difficult a game it is and the magnitude of it. But we are a team that is only two points behind them since February – so they will know the challenge that also faces them coming to The Den.
“We know what Leeds are and how good they are but, as I keep saying, it is all about us and what we do – how we control the game in our own comfort of allowing the opponent to have the ball at times. It is about what we do with the ball when we have got it.
“We’re in a really good place. The momentum is there, the confidence is there and the buzz at the training ground and in the stadium. We’re really looking forward to it, more so than any other game I would say so.”
Leeds’ underlying numbers suggest Harris is right
Although points-wise Sunderland are clear of Leeds right now, the underlying numbers suggest Daniel Farke‘s side have been superior this season.
If Leeds continue how they have during the opening 13 matches all season, it is likely they will finish above Sunderland in May and therefore justifying Harris’ claim.
| Expected goals (xG) | Expected goals against (xGA) | Expected goal difference (xGD) | Possession | Big chances | Touches in opp. box | |
| Leeds | 22.2(2nd) | 8.1(24th) | 14.1 | 60.9(2nd) | 40(1st) | 365(2nd) |
| Sunderland | 16.7(10th) | 14(18th) | 2.7 | 46.9(17th) | 28(8th) | 311 6th) |
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