Leeds United will be seeking to secure their first win of the EFL Championship campaign when they travel to Sheffield Wednesday on Friday night.
The pressure is mounting on Leeds United as they continue their search for a first victory of the EFL Championship season ahead of the trip to take on Sheffield Wednesday. After drawing both of their opening fixtures, the Whites are eager to kickstart their campaign with three points in this highly anticipated Yorkshire derby.
Meanwhile, Sheffield Wednesday return to Hillsborough with mixed results from their opening games, aiming to bounce back after a heavy defeat last weekend. The Owls entered the season with optimism under the management of Paul Heckingbottom, especially after narrowly avoiding relegation last term.
Their confidence was bolstered by a commanding 4-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle on the opening day, where goals from Jamal Lowe, Josh Windass, and Michael Smith, along with a Brendan Galloway own goal, set the tone for what looked like a promising start. Following that, the Blades secured a 2-1 victory against Hull City in the EFL Cup, thanks to Charlie McNeill’s brace.
However, their momentum was abruptly halted by a humbling 4-0 defeat to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, where they found themselves three goals down within the first half-hour. With Dennis Cirkin, Eliezer Mayenda, and Luke O’Nien tearing through their defence, Sheffield will now be eager to put that result behind them as they look to claim their first victory over Leeds since 2020.
Leeds United, under the guidance of Daniel Farke, are aiming for promotion after narrowly missing out on an immediate return to the Premier League last season. The disappointment of finishing third and losing the playoff final to Southampton has been compounded by a slow start to the new campaign.
Their opening match saw them battle back to draw 3-3 with newly-promoted Portsmouth at Elland Road, with Brenden Aaronson’s 95th-minute equalizer saving a point after goals from Pascal Struijk and Wilfried Gnonto had kept them in the game. However, their momentum was checked with a 3-0 defeat to Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup, followed by a goalless draw away to West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns.
With the recent departure of Georginio Rutter adding to the challenges, Leeds United head into this match under pressure to deliver a performance that can reinvigorate their season. A victory in this Yorkshire derby would be the perfect tonic for Farke’s men as they look to move up to five points from their first three outings. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up for the night and what tactics they might employ.
Team News & Tactics
Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield Wednesday should head into Friday’s meeting with Leeds United with a relatively clean bill of health, with the exception of injured goalkeeper Ben Hamer. Manager Paul Heckingbottom may consider making several changes to the starting XI that suffered a 4-0 defeat to Sunderland last time out.
Ike Ugbo could be in line for his first start in attack since making his loan move from Troyes permanent over the summer, potentially replacing fellow summer arrival Jamal Lowe at the top of the formation. Heckingbottom might also opt to make adjustments in midfield, where Josh Windass could make way for additional strength in the centre, possibly bringing in Liam Palmer to join Barry Bannan and Svante Ingelsson.
Sheffield are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Pierce Beadle starting in goal, providing a solid presence between the posts. The back four will feature Yan Valery at right-back, Dominic Iorfa and Di’Shon Bernard forming the central defensive partnership, and Jamal Lowe occupying the left-back position.
In midfield, Svante Ingelsson and Liam Palmer will operate as the two defensive midfielders, tasked with protecting the defence and helping to transition the play forward. The attacking midfield trio will consist of Djeidi Gassama on the right wing, Barry Bannan playing centrally as the attacking midfielder, and Anthony Musaba on the left wing, all working to create chances and support the attack. Up front, Ike Ugbo will lead the line as the lone striker, aiming to provide a goal-scoring threat for the Owls.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Beadle; Valery, Iorfa, Bernard, Lowe; Ingelsson, Palmer; Gassama, Bannan, Musaba; Ugbo
Leeds United
Daniel Farke has a fully fit Leeds United squad to choose from for Friday’s match, although the team has been significantly impacted by summer departures. Key players like Georginio Rutter, Crysencio Summerville, Glen Kamara, and Archie Gray, who all played crucial roles last season, have left the club. This has left the Whites needing to adapt and make the most of the remaining squad as they seek their first win of the season.
With Leeds yet to strengthen their attacking options in the transfer market, Brenden Aaronson is likely to be brought into the starting lineup. He could be part of a 4-2-3-1 formation, supporting the attack alongside Willy Gnonto and Daniel James, as Leeds look to secure a positive result in this Yorkshire derby.
Leeds United is expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Illan Meslier starting in goal, bringing his shot-stopping skills and commanding presence to the team. The back four will include Jayden Bogle at right-back, Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk forming a solid central defensive partnership, and Junior Firpo at left-back, providing both defensive stability and attacking support.
In the midfield, Ilia Gruev and captain Ethan Ampadu will take on the holding roles, tasked with shielding the defence and initiating attacking plays. This duo will be crucial in controlling the tempo and breaking up opposition attacks.
Ahead of them, the attacking midfield trio will consist of Daniel James on the right wing, Brenden Aaronson in the central attacking role, and Willy Gnonto on the left wing. These three will be responsible for creating chances, linking up play, and providing service to the striker.
Leading the line as the lone striker is expected to be Patrick Bamford, who will be looking to convert chances and lead the Leeds United attack with his experience and goal-scoring ability. The Peacocks need a hero and it is time for the veteran to answer that call.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Firpo; Gruev, Ampadu; James, Aaronson, Gnonto; Bamford
Key Stats
- Sheffield Wednesday are winless in their last three home games against Leeds United, managing to score only one goal in those matches (D2 L1).
- Following a 2-0 win in this exact fixture last season, Leeds United are looking to secure consecutive away league victories against Sheffield Wednesday for the first time since a run of three between 1997 and 2000.
- After beating Plymouth Argyle on the opening day, Sheffield Wednesday are now unbeaten in their last five home league games (W2 D3). This is their longest unbeaten home run at this level since December 2019.
- Leeds United have failed to win their last four Championship games (D2 L2, excluding play-offs), with their last five-game winless streak in the second tier occurring in February 2018 under Thomas Christiansen and then Paul Heckingbottom.
- Leeds United’s Patrick Bamford has scored in three of his last four Yorkshire derbies in the Championship, including scoring the opening goal in the Whites’ 2-0 away win at Sheffield Wednesday last season.
Player to Watch
Patrick Bamford
Patrick Bamford is set to be the player to watch in this crucial clash, especially as a weakened Leeds United side looks to reignite their promotion push. Bamford’s experience and proven goal-scoring ability make him a pivotal figure in a team that has seen significant departures over the summer. As one of the more seasoned players in the squad, his leadership on the field will be crucial in guiding the younger and less experienced players through what is expected to be a challenging campaign.
Bamford’s knack for finding the net in high-stakes matches, particularly in Yorkshire derbies, further enhances his importance. He has scored in three of his last four Championship derbies, including the opening goal in Leeds’ 2-0 victory at Sheffield Wednesday last season. This track record makes him a constant threat to Sheffield Wednesday’s defence, and his ability to score in pressure situations could be the difference-maker in this contest.
Moreover, with Leeds struggling to find consistency in their early season form, Bamford’s role as the focal point of their attack becomes even more critical. His ability to hold up play, bring others into the game, and, most importantly, convert chances into goals will be vital if Leeds are to overcome their rivals and keep their promotion ambitions on track.
Prediction
Sheffield Wednesday 1-2 Leeds United
While Leeds United still possess a wealth of quality despite the numerous summer departures, Sheffield Wednesday arguably face them at a favourable time, with Daniel Farke’s side still struggling to find their rhythm this season. The timing could be perfect for the hosts, who will be eager to bounce back from a heavy defeat in their previous outing. However,t he difference in quality should see the visitors over the line.
