Leeds United have been in terrific form since the turn of the year and even after Saturday’s failure to beat Huddersfield Town – Leeds still have 28 points from 30. Next, is Stoke City on Tuesday night.
Leeds desperately need to get back to winning ways in the race for automatic promotion, having lost ground to Ipswich and Southampton on the weekend – who beat Plymouth Argyle and Birmingham City.
The Whites suffered defeat last time out to Stoke, losing 1-0 in a match where Patrick Bamford missed from the penalty spot with the scoreline reading 0-0. But for Joe Rodon, he needs a career first tonight.
In three games against Steven Schumacher’s side throughout his career – one for Leeds, two for his first club Swansea – Rodon has lost all three. 2-0, and 2-1 defeats back in 2019-20 with the Welsh outfit.
There is no doubting that Rodon will be in the starting line-up come Tuesday night, with the Wales man one of the first names on the team sheet. But his record against Stoke is one of concern, personally.
Leeds need Joe Rodon to end his dismal record against Stoke
Leeds need a win in order to pile the pressure on Southampton, Ipswich and even Leicester – who lost 2-1 to QPR on the weekend. But to do that, it means Rodon will have to end his Stoke hoodoo tonight.
Leeds will not be at full strength, as Pascal Struijk continues to work his way back to fitness. Versatile Jamie Shackleton is currently undergoing concussion protocols and Jaidon Anthony is also unavailable.
Junior Firpo could be a late inclusion in the side, but if not, Sam Byram is likely to come into the side with Rodon and Ethan Ampadu in the middle of the defence. We need Rodon’s first career win vs Stoke.
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