Leeds United won the last time they played Sheffield United at Elland Road. However, this time around at Bramall Lane, things might be very different.
Home advantage is often a significant element in such vital games like the one between Leeds United and Sheffield United at the top of the Championship on Monday.
Leeds have the third-best away record in the league, while Sheffield United have the second-best home record, trailing only Leeds, who are now in first position in the Championship table, with the Blades in second.
Both teams are in good form and coming off great victories, with Leeds United coming from behind to overcome Sunderland 2-1 and Sheffield United winning away to Luton Town.
Leeds defeated Sheffield United 2-0 at home in their last meeting in October. Daniel Farke’s team will be apprehensive of facing the Blades at their Bramall Lane home, but following the previous encounter at Elland Road, Chris Wilder revealed how Leeds defeated Sheffield United.
Leeds United has a game plan for their upcoming match against Sheffield United,
Pascal Struijk and Mateo Joseph scoring in their previous encounter. And, following Struijk’s late brace against Sunderland, the towering Dutchman might return to the XI on Monday to provide Leeds an extra aerial presence.
But it was in attack where Wilder conceded defeat in their previous match. Wilder praised Leeds United’s attacking pace and sharpness during their most recent match, saying: “They were better in all aspects. Played faster, crisper, and with greater attacking danger. They had bits and pieces of the game, but not enough to cause them any trouble. Their roster is loaded with talent. We had never played a team of this caliber until tonight.”
Leeds’ frontline has undoubtedly been blazing on all cylinders lately. Joel Piroe, Manor Solomon, Brenden Aaronson, and Dan James have scored 39 goals in the Championship this season, accounting for more than half of Leeds’ total of 68.
Leeds United’s strategy for Sheffield United faces a single hurdle.
It’s often easier said than done, but Farke can rely on his frontline to perform as usual on Monday night, albeit against a Sheffield United team that has only conceded 23 goals in 33 Championship games this season, second only to Leeds.
However, Farke is dealing with one huge issue: Manor Solomon’s injury. Solomon is doubtful to face Sheffield United after sustaining a bruised ankle against Sunderland, but Farke has quality to draw on.
Wilfried Gnonto might start on the right immediately, which would be an excellent replacement for Leeds. Leeds, as Wilder stated after their last match, have a significant attacking threat, and if they are at their sharpest, quickest on Monday, they should win the game.
However, Sheffield United are staunch at the back and have their own offensive prowess. Kickoff is at 8 p.m., and you can find out how to watch by clicking here.
