Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has pinpointed the area in which Leeds United can pose the biggest threat to his side.
Regis Le Bris has some experience of facing Leeds, having led Sunderland twice against the Whites in the Championship last season, as both sides won promotion from the second tier.
However, Daniel Farke will take a very different Leeds side to the North East this weekend, as his side look to continue their recent upturn in form.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been at the heart of Leeds’ recent resurgence, profiting from their new direct approach with six goals in five games.
Now, Le Bris has admitted that he is wary of Leeds’ newfound direct approach as he looks to continue his strong start to the season with Sunderland.
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Regis Le Bris wary of direct threat from Leeds United
Speaking in his press conference ahead of Leeds’ trip to the Stadium of Light, Le Bris admitted that he was wary of Farke’s side’s threat from set pieces.
According to Le Bris, he is expecting a tough challenge from the Whites, who possess a “strong physical presence in the box.”
Asked if the best way to stop Calvert-Lewin from scoring was to stop the ball getting to him, Le Bris said: “Absolutely. Leeds are in good form at the moment, especially over the last four games. They switched into a back five with three midfielders and two forwards.
“They are going maybe a bit more direct now, especially in key moments. They are strong in set-pieces, good takers, good delivery, tall, strong physical presence in the box.
“So, they are doing well, and it’s not unusual in this league. So we’ll have a tough challenge at home once again.”
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Leeds United need to break down resolute Sunderland defence
Leeds’ threat from set-pieces was evident once again in the win over Crystal Palace, as all four goals came via dead balls.
As a result, Leeds have scored the most goals in the Premier League from set pieces, according to WhoScored.com, and will be hoping to achieve success in that regard against Sunderland.
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The Black Cats are among the best in the Premier League at defending set pieces
However, Le Bris’ side will be one of the toughest tests of the resurgence under Farke, having conceded just three goals from set pieces all season.
This is the third-best defensive record in the competition, behind only Brentford and Spurs, and highlights the scale of the challenge that Leeds will face.
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