Joe Rodon has spoken ahead of Leeds United’s Championship meeting with Burnley, which could be significant for both clubs in the race for automatic promotion.
Leeds United and Burnley both won games over the weekend. Sheffield United were trounced 3-0 by Joe Gelhardt’s Hull at Bramall Lane, keeping The Whites in first place till tonight.
Then, on Saturday, Darko Gyabi assisted Plymouth in the 90th minute, securing a 2-2 draw with Sunderland. Leeds now lead Sheffield United by one point and Burnley by three.
There are four points separating Leeds and Sunderland, presently. After the loss to Hull, Chris Wilder discussed the promotion chase, while Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris described the Championship as “tough”.
Joe Rodon issues warning to Burnley before of Monday’s game.
Given the weekend’s performances, Leeds stand a great opportunity of clinching automatic promotion. A win at Burnley would be huge, yet they are one of three teams to defeat Leeds this season.
The only team to defeat Leeds at Elland Road. Daniel Farke has never beaten Burnley in the league in his managerial career, but a win on Monday would put Leeds four points ahead of second place and six ahead of third.
Joe Rodon was speaking ahead of Monday night’s game and was asked if the 1-0 loss to Burnley at the start of the season would be an issue. He answered by stating that Leeds is a different team now.
“It has been a while since then; that was really early in the season, and I believe we have improved as a team and matured together. There’s a lot of fresh faces have come in,” Rodon said, talking to LUTV.
“We are on the right track and are gaining momentum, so we will prepare properly and get ready for this game. Even after the final whistle on Wednesday, I was already considering next Monday.”
The three critical battles as Leeds face Burnley tonight
Summer signings Zian Flemming has five goals in eight Championship appearances for Burnley, including a brace last time out, and Rodon and Ethan Ampadu will need to keep the Dutch-born striker quiet.
The right flank is one that Leeds fans and players are familiar with. Jaidon Anthony and Connor Roberts have worked well together, and the fight will most likely be won by Manor Solomon or Sam Byram.
The main obstacle for Leeds will be breaking down Burnley’s defence. This season, James Trafford and Burnley have conceded nine goals in 28 games. This term’s achievement has been extremely spectacular.
If Leeds can score, it is a success in itself. However, it will be a game with tight margins and few goals, and whomever strikes first will almost certainly avoid defeat, if not win.
