Leeds United are straight back into the thick of Championship action and the busy Christmas period when The Whites return from the November international break.
The likes of Joe Rodon, Junior Firpo, Max Wober, Ao Tanaka, Dan James, Wilfried Gnonto, Mateo Joseph, Brenden Aaronson and Mateo Joseph are in action for their nations, as are Karl Darlow and Charlie Crew.
But as soon as the Leeds stars return, they take on Swansea on a Sunday afternoon on November 24. It sees Joe Rodon and Joel Piroe return to their old side, with the duo expected to start for Daniel Farke.
Leeds play five games in the space of 16 days with a return to Elland Road on Novemver 27 to come up against Rob Edwards’ struggling Luton Town. Then, a difficult-looking trip to John Eustace’s Blackburn.
Predicting Leeds United’s next five games, 10 potential points
Following that, Leeds return to Elland Road for two games in a row. They come up against Derby County and then Middlesbrough, two games with an element of rivalry and needle, given Derby and Spygate.
Boro boast a Manchester United legend as manager in Michael Carrick and Elland Road icon Luke Ayling. Leeds need to go into the latter stages of December in good form and below, we predict the next five.
Predictions for next five games:
- Nov 24: Swansea (A) – 0-2 Win.
- Nov 27: Luton (H) – 3-1 Win.
- Nov 30: Blackburn (A) – 1-0 Loss.
- Dec 7: Derby (H) – 3-1 Win.
- Dec 10: Middlesbrough (H) – 2-2 Draw.
Swansea and Luton have both struggled and should be wins. But Blackburn is a tricky side for Leeds, with The Whites made to work for last season’s 2-0 away win before Blackburn beat Leeds at Elland Road.
Derby have been up and down but in a solid 12th. However, they have conceded 19 goals and scored the same amount, so while they might score, Leeds should win. Boro will be a difficult task on December 10.
A good side, in good form and looking like they will mount a play-off charge. Having beaten Leeds in the Carabao Cup earlier this season, they will come to Leeds with confidence and a draw is arguably fair.
How Leeds’ games compare to Championship promotion rivals
It is fair to say that compared to Sheffield United, Sunderland and Burnley, Leeds probably have the easier run of the next five matches. That is given, Leeds have played most of the top 10 already this season.
| Leeds | Sunderland | Sheffield United | Burnley |
| Swansea (A) (11th, Nov 24) | Millwall (A) (8th, Nov 23) | Coventry (A) (17th, Nov 23) | Bristol City (A) (10th, Nov 23) |
| Luton (H) (21st, Nov 27) | West Brom (H) (5th, Nov 26) | Oxford (H) (16th, Nov 26) | Coventry (H) (17th, Nov 26) |
| Blackburn (A) (9th, Nov 30) | Sheffield United (A) (2nd, Nov 29) | Sunderland (H) (1st, Nov 29) | Stoke (A) (13th, Nov 30) |
| Derby (H) (12th, Dec 7) | Stoke (H) (13th, Dec 7) | West Brom (A) (5th, Dec 8) | Middlesbrough (H) (7th, Dec 6) |
| Boro (H) (7th, Dec 10) | Bristol City (H) (10th, Dec 10) | Millwall (A) (8th, Dec 11) | Derby (H) (12th, Dec 10) |
| Prediction: 10 points | Prediction: 5 points | Prediction: 10 points | Prediction: 9 points |
Such predictions would leave Leeds on 39 points, overtaking Sunderland who have by far the trickest run including trips to Sheffield United and Millwall, while facing play-off hopefuls Bristol City and West Brom.
Sheffield United have a decent run of games, but Coventry could be a different animal while also going to Millwall and West Brom. A possible 10 points would take them to 41, two ahead of Leeds if Leeds get 10.
If the above predictions take place over the next five games, Leeds will sit in second on 39. Sheffield United first on 41, Sunderland third on 36 and the same for Burnley who would go from 27 to 36.
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