Leeds United do battle with Tom Cleverley’s Watford on Tuesday night as The Whites go up against another side currently sitting in the top eight places of the Championship table.
Already, Leeds have faced six of the other seven clubs sitting in the top third of England’s second tier. Despite that, Daniel Farke’s Leeds are three points better off at this stage compared to last season.
It comes after a comprehensive win over Sheffield United last time out. A signal of intent to the rest of the Championship, a statement victory as Farke’s men ended Chris Wilder’s unbeaten start to the campaign.
Below, we preview some key areas ahead of tonight’s clash against Watford:
Daniel Farke’s injury update
During his press conference on Monday, Farke confirmed there were no new Leeds injuries after the win over Sheffield United. Max Wober, Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev remain long-term absentees.
Wilfried Gnonto was a doubt due to a shoulder knock. While Farke said he was tempted to take Gnonto off after 10 minutes, Farke confirmed Gnonto will be available with Gnonto only suffering bruising.
Watford form and injuries
Watford do sit in a solid eighth place under Cleverley in what is his first senior management position, but the Hornets were smashed by Luton Town on Saturday, losing 3-0. Home and away records really differ.
Since their win away at Millwall on the opening day, Watford have lost the next four games away from home. But, they have won four and drawn one of their five home games in a stark contrast of form.
They are also missing three players, the biggest blow being experienced Italy defender Angelo Ogbonna. Kevin Keben and Jeremy Ngakia are close to a return from injury but Tuesday will come too soon.
Three players walking a suspension tightrope
Back to Leeds, and three players are walking a suspension tightrope. Joe Rodon, Jayden Bogle and Junior Firpo are on four yellow cards with Leeds lacking in cover in the middle of defence for Wales star Rodon.
Pascal Struijk and Wilfried Gnonto have three apiece and they will also want to avoid going into the ref’s book in order to avoid joining Bogle, Rodon and Firpo on four. One more for the trio, and it is a ban.
Daniel Farke’s career record against Watford
One concern for Leeds is Farke’s record against Watford. To put it simply, it is dismal. One win in seven, losing on five occasions with his only win coming last season when Leeds eased past Watford to win 3-0.
A 2-2 draw away saw Crysencio Summerville and Mateo Joseph score goals. But in five games against them as Norwich manager, Farke lost all five matches and conceded nine goals in and scoring two.
Predicted line-up and possible changes
Despite Rodon, Bogle and Firpo walking on thin ice, Farke is unlikely to change the first seven players of his starting XI. From Illan Meslier, to new midfield duo of Japan star Ao Tanaka and on-loan Joe Rothwell.
However, he could be tempted to make changes in the final third. Manor Solomon is back and striker Mateo Joseph scored on Friday, and they could be the two that tempts Farke into making an alteration.
Predicted line-up to face Watford: Illan Meslier; Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, Junior Firpo; Ao Tanaka, Joe Rothwell; Wilfried Gnonto, Brenden Aaronson, Largie Ramazani; Joel Piroe.
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