Stoke City boss Narcis Pelach is under no illusions about the size of the task facing his Championship strugglers against Daniel Farke’s Leeds United side on Boxing Day.
Yes, Leeds’ away record pales in comparison to their imperious home form – the Yorkshire giants actually rank eighth in terms of results on the road – but Stoke’s dreadful run over the last few weeks means The Whites still travel to Staffordshire as massive favourites.
Former Huddersfield Town assistant Narcis Pelach is under considerable pressure following two wins and six defeats in 15 matches.
And after Leeds dusted off the cobwebs while thrashing Oxford last time out – Dan James, Jayden Bogle, Brenden Aaronson and the devastating Manor Solomon all on the scoresheet – a Stoke side who struggled to cope with Sheffield Wednesday only a few days ago will need a massive upturn in form if they are to channel their inner-Grinch and steal Daniel Farke’s Christmas spirit.
Stoke boss Narcis Pelach knows Leeds United ‘will dominate’
“We don’t have the chance to train a lot now. We have to go straight to the next game, so we are trying to organise everything for the next game, which is an exciting one; Boxing Day against Leeds,” Pelach told reporters during his Christmas Eve press conference.
“I’m looking forward to it. All the players are ready for the next game, the next battle, and we know it’s an important one at home against a top, top team. But always [we must have] the idea to compete and to win.”
First impressions count, and Pelach accepts that Stoke will need to be on it from the very first whistle. Leeds also average 62 per cent possession in the Championship this season – the highest number of any team – while Stoke City average only 49 per cent.
As Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell pulled the strings against Oxford, The U’s barely had a kick in Leeds’ half on Saturday. Pelach is determined to ensure his Stoke side do not suffer the same feeling of asphyxiation as Leeds again look to tighten their grip around their opposition’s throat.
“It’s important how we start the game, that we’re aggressive and on the front foot,” adds the 36-year-old Spaniard. “Of course, Leeds will dominate the ball because they’ve done that against every team in the league but we can be aggressive.
“We can fight, we can win duels, we can win second balls, we can regain the ball high up the pitch and create chances.
“We need to make sure that we stay on it and then we will have our chance because it’s a football game. The players need to feel calm, go into the game and fight.”
Leeds tipped for automatic promotion as Daniel Farke confirms Joe Rodon status
Pelach has a dismal 16 per cent win ratio in charge of The Potters. Leeds, meanwhile, can go top if league leaders Sheffield United slip up at home to promotion rivals Burnley on Thursday.
“Leeds are favourite to win the game and everyone knows it because they win lots of games and they’re a very good side and a team made for automatic promotion,” Pelach concludes. “I’m ready for Thursday, I’m excited for Thursday.
“Hopefully I can transmit that to the fans and they come with energy to get behind the team and as well, the most important thing, to the players.”
Daniel Farke confirmed Joe Rodon will be available for Leeds at Stoke after suffering a head injury against Oxford.
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