Leeds United vs. Sheffield United: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

This game pits two of the strongest defences in the Championship against one another, so a high-scoring encounter feels quite unlikely.

The Blades have now kept five successive clean sheets, but Leeds have also scored in six out of their last seven in the league, so they should continue that run here.

Leeds have drawn four of their nine games this season, while the visitors have three draws themselves, so a share of the spoils feels like a likely outcome for a game between two very evenly matched sides. Leeds 1-1 Sheffield United.

Leeds United will host Sheffield United in an eagerly anticipated Yorkshire derby on Friday, as both teams aim to solidify their positions at the top end of the Championship.

• Date: 18/10/2024
• Kick-off time: 20:00
• Location: Elland Road, Leeds

Leeds United’s return to the Championship has been anything but straightforward, with Daniel Farke’s side enduring a mixed start to the season. Farke, who previously achieved promotion to the Premier League with Norwich City, arrived at Leeds in the summer with high expectations but has faced criticism at times for not getting the best out of a squad widely considered to have plenty of talent.

Leeds’ results have been inconsistent, and their performances have often looked disjointed. Despite the quality in their ranks, the team has struggled to play with the fluidity and cohesion expected of them. This has left some fans frustrated, particularly in games where Leeds have dropped points against lower-ranked opposition. However, they remain in 5th place, just four points off the automatic promotion spots, which suggests that while there is room for improvement, the foundations for a successful campaign are in place.

Farke’s challenges this season have been compounded by the loss of several high-profile players over the summer. Key departures such as Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville have left significant gaps in the squad, forcing Farke to adapt. Nevertheless, Leeds have retained a core of talented players, and in recent weeks, some of them have begun to emerge as key figures in the team’s efforts to compete at the top of the table.

One of the major issues for Leeds this season has been injuries, particularly in midfield. The loss of two crucial players, Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev, has left Leeds without a recognised defensive midfielder, which could prove a significant problem as the season progresses. Ampadu, who many consider to be one of the best midfielders in the Championship, will be out until January with an injury, while Gruev faces a lengthy five-month layoff due to a knee problem.

Ampadu’s absence, in particular, is a massive blow for Leeds. The Welsh international had been pivotal to Leeds’ midfield, offering both defensive stability and a range of passing that helped link defence and attack. Without him, Leeds will need to find alternative solutions to protect their backline, which has been vulnerable at times this season.

In response to the injury crisis, Leeds have reportedly turned to the free-agent market in search of reinforcements. Cheikhou Kouyaté, a 34-year-old Senegalese midfielder, has emerged as a potential signing. Kouyaté’s experience and physical presence could provide a short-term fix for Leeds, but it remains to be seen whether he can adequately fill the void left by Ampadu and Gruev.

Amid the challenges Leeds have faced, one player who has stepped up impressively is Wilfried Gnonto. The young Italian forward has become a talismanic figure for the team, consistently delivering strong performances and providing a much-needed attacking spark. In the absence of departed players like Rutter and Summerville, Gnonto has emerged as one of Leeds’ most important attacking outlets.

His pace, dribbling ability, and eye for goal have made him a constant threat to opposition defences, and his importance to Leeds’ attacking play cannot be overstated. If Leeds are to mount a serious push for promotion, much will depend on Gnonto’s ability to maintain his current form throughout the season.

Sheffield United, on the other hand, have made an impressive start to their Championship campaign, sitting 2nd in the table after nine games. Given the disappointment of last season, there were doubts about whether Chris Wilder’s side could mount a promotion challenge this time around, but the early signs have been positive.

Defensively, Sheffield United have been rock solid, and their ability to frustrate opponents has been one of the key reasons for their success. With an expected goals against (xGA) rate of just 0.97 per game, the Blades have been incredibly hard to break down, which has provided the foundation for their strong start. If they can maintain this level of defensive performance over the course of the season, they will certainly be in contention for automatic promotion.

However, while their defensive displays have been outstanding, there is room for improvement in attack. Sheffield United have not always been as clinical in front of goal as they would like, and this could be an area that Wilder looks to address in the coming weeks. That being said, their ability to grind out results and keep clean sheets has served them well so far.

Several players have been instrumental in Sheffield United’s resurgence this season. In midfield, Gustavo Hamer and Ollie Arblaster have both impressed, providing energy and creativity. Hamer, in particular, has been a standout performer, dictating play in the centre of the park and contributing both defensively and offensively.

Meanwhile, at left-back, Harrison Burrows, a summer signing, has settled into the team seamlessly. His defensive solidity and ability to contribute going forward have made him a valuable addition to Wilder’s side. Burrows’ performances have been particularly noteworthy given how quickly he has adapted to the team and the demands of the Championship.

While Sheffield United’s attack has not been firing on all cylinders, the team’s overall balance and defensive discipline have been key factors in their early-season success.

This game will be aired live to all subscribed UK viewers on Sky Sports Main Event.

Leeds Team News:

As mentioned, Leeds will be without Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev, meaning Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka should start at the base of the midfield.

Daniel Farke seems likely to stick with Joël Piroe up top, with Mateo Joseph remaining on the bench.

Predicted lineup: Meslier; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Firpo; Tanaka, Rothwell; Gnonto, Aaronson, Ramazani; Piroe.

Sheffield United Team News:

The Blades' only injury absentee should be midfielder Tom Davies, with the squad in pretty good shape fitness-wise.

Gustavo Hamer could come back in for Rhian Brewster in what is likely to be the only change to the XI that started against Luton Town last time out.

Predicted lineup: Cooper; Gilchrist, Souttar, Ahmedhodžić; McCallum; Souza, Arblaster; Rak-Sakyi, Hamer, O'Hare; Moore.

Leeds come into this game with two wins, two draws and one loss from their last five games. Leeds' most recent outing was a heartbreaking 2-2 draw with Sunderland, where goalkeeper Ilan Meslier made a complete howler in the dying seconds to gift Sunderland a point after what was a very good away performance - with the goals coming from Joël Piroe and Junio Firpo.

Prior to that, drew 1-1 with Norwich City, beat Coventry City 3-0, beat Cardiff City 2-0 and lost 0-1 to Burnley.

Sheffield United beat Luton Town 2-0 in their latest game. A brace from the ever-improving Jesarun Ran-Sakyi gave the Blades the win, a result that means they're still unbeaten in the league.

That result followed a 1-0 win over Swansea City, a 0-0 draw with Portsmouth, a 1-0 win over Derby County and a 2-0 win over Hull City.

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