Leeds United will hope for all three points against an inconsistent Coventry City side on Saturday night
Aiming to move closer to a top-two spot in the Championship, Leeds United host Coventry City at Elland Road this Saturday. The Whites head into the clash following a convincing 2-0 win against bottom-placed Cardiff City, while the Sky Blues continue to struggle, suffering another setback in their loss to Swansea City.
Leeds United have managed to secure a solid defensive record in recent games, keeping clean sheets in four of their last five league matches. Their recent visit to South Wales saw them capitalize on the early dismissal of Cardiff’s Joel Bagan, controlling the game with superior possession and securing the win through goals from Largie Ramazani—his first for the club—and Joel Piroe, who notched his second of the season.
Despite their victory, some fans remain unconvinced by the current midfield setup, as manager Daniel Farke has stuck with the pairing of Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev, despite having a numerical advantage. Nonetheless, Leeds have climbed to sixth in the table, five points behind leaders West Brom and four points shy of second-placed Sunderland.
With renovations at Elland Road planned to increase its capacity to 53,000, the club will look to build on this momentum and improve their home form, having won just one of their four matches at the venue across all competitions so far this season.
Coventry City, on the other hand, are enduring a tough spell, going winless in their last four league fixtures. Last weekend, they fell behind early to Swansea City, conceding twice within the first 32 minutes. Despite a Ronald Pereira own goal giving them a lifeline, they could not find an equalizer. The Sky Blues have now dropped to 19th place in the Championship, with only five points to their name and already trailing Leeds by six points.
Manager Mark Robins will be concerned with his side’s form, as they have managed just one win in their last 12 league outings dating back to early April, a worrying statistic for a team that needs to steer clear of relegation battles.
Forwards Haji Wright and Ellis Simms, who combined for 29 goals last season, have struggled to replicate that form, scoring just twice in 12 combined appearances this campaign. The Hard Tackle explores the possible lineups and strategies for this much-awaited match.
Team News & Tactics
Leeds United
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke is unlikely to make many changes to his lineup, especially in the midfield, where Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu have formed a solid partnership. While Japanese midfielder Ao Tanaka is inching closer to making his full debut after coming off the bench in recent matches, he is expected to remain on the sidelines for now.
The Whites will also be without Daniel James, who continues to recover from a hamstring injury sustained earlier this month. Additionally, Maximilian Wober and Tottenham Hotspur loanee Manor Solomon were both absent from the squad last weekend, and it remains uncertain if either will be fit for Saturday’s clash.
In the probable 4-2-3-1 formation, Illan Meslier is set to start in goal. The back four will likely consist of Jayden Bogle at right-back, Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk forming the central defensive partnership, and Junior Firpo operating at left-back. In midfield, Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu will play as the double pivot, providing stability and linking defence to attack.
Further up the pitch, Largie Ramazani, Brenden Aaronson, and Wilfried Gnonto will form the attacking trio behind the lone striker. Ramazani, who scored his first goal for Leeds last weekend, will operate on the right wing, while Aaronson will take up the central attacking midfield role. Gnonto will occupy the left flank, offering pace and creativity. Up front, Mateo Joseph will lead the line, aiming to convert chances and keep the Leeds attack ticking.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Firpo; Gruev, Ampadu; Ramazani, Aaronson, Gnonto; Joseph
Coventry City
Coventry City supporters are anxiously awaiting updates on Jamie Allen’s knee injury, which appeared to be serious when the midfielder was forced off during the first half of their defeat to Swansea City. The Sky Blues are facing a potential midfield crisis, with several key players unavailable.
However, there is some positive news as Ben Sheaf is gradually returning to full fitness, providing Mark Robins with a valuable option in midfield. Raphael Borges Rodrigues, who joined the club from the A-League this past summer, is still recovering from a leg injury and has yet to make his debut for Coventry.
In the 4-5-1 formation, Oliver Dovin is expected to start in goal. The defence will likely feature Milan van Ewijk at right-back, with Bobby Thomas and Luis Binks forming the central defensive partnership, and Jake Bidwell slotting in at left-back.
In midfield, Josh Eccles and Victor Torp will anchor the central roles, supported by Ephron Mason-Clark and Haji Wright on the flanks. Jack Rudoni is expected to play in a more advanced central role, linking the midfield to the attack.
Ellis Simms will lead the line as the lone striker, tasked with spearheading the Coventry attack and providing a focal point up front. With limited options in the midfield due to injuries, the Sky Blues will need a solid performance from their core players to make an impact against Leeds United.
Probable Lineup (4-5-1): Dovin; van Ewijk, Thomas, Binks, Bidwell; Eccles, Torp; Mason-Clark, Rudoni, Wright; Simms
Key Stats
- Leeds United have lost two of their last three league games against Coventry City (D1), one more than in their previous 17 such encounters (W10 D6).
- Coventry City are unbeaten across their last two league visits to Elland Road to face Leeds United (D2) and will be looking to go three such matches in succession without defeat for the first time in the EFL.
- Leeds have lost three of their last five league matches at Elland Road (W1 D1), as many as in their previous 45 league games outside the top flight (W31 D11).
- Coventry have won only one of their last 12 league games (D3 L8), though they have lost only one of their previous four such games on the road (D3).
- Only Tom Fellows (4) has more Championship assists this season than Leeds’ Mateo Joseph (3), though all three for Joseph have come away from Elland Road.
Player to Watch
Wilfried Gnonto
Gnonto has been a standout performer for Leeds United this season, showcasing his flair and creativity on the wings. Known for his pace, agility, and ability to take on defenders, the young Italian winger has the potential to unlock any defence.
With his quick footwork and eye for goal, Gnonto is a constant threat, and his link-up play with the likes of Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph has been crucial for Leeds’s attacking momentum. If Leeds are to secure a victory against Coventry City, Gnonto’s contribution in the final third will be pivotal.
Prediction
Leeds United 2-0 Coventry City
Leeds United have shown resilience in recent games, and with home advantage, they will likely edge out a Coventry City side that has struggled for form. Despite their defensive issues, the Whites have enough firepower to secure a narrow victory, while Coventry could pose a threat on the break but may fall just short.
