Leeds United will aim to keep within striking distance of the EFL Championship summit when they travel to Bristol City on Saturday.
Bristol City and Leeds United face off at Ashton Gate on Saturday in a crucial Championship fixture, with both teams enjoying unbeaten runs that have propelled them into the upper echelons of the table. Leeds United are eyeing automatic promotion, currently sitting level on points with second-placed Burnley. Meanwhile, hosts Bristol City have been in fine form, and are hoping to break into the playoff positions with another strong performance.
Bristol City enter the game having put together an impressive six-match unbeaten streak, with interim manager Chris Hogg overseeing the side following the unfortunate leave of absence taken by Liam Manning. During this run, the Robins have shown resilience and character, collecting valuable points to position themselves within striking distance of the playoff spots.
Following consecutive losses to West Brom and Burnley in August and September, the Robins responded positively, earning draws against Swansea City, Sheffield Wednesday, and Cardiff City. Their 2-0 win over Middlesbrough, courtesy of Anis Mehmeti and Yu Hirakawa’s first-half strikes, showcased their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. They followed that with a spirited 2-2 draw against Stoke City on Tuesday, where Nahki Wells’ brace ensured a point after initially going 2-0 down.
Currently, sitting within four points of the playoff spots, Bristol City will look to extend their unbeaten run to seven matches with a home victory on Saturday. With momentum on their side, Hogg’s team will want to capitalize on Leeds’ high-stakes ambitions.
Leeds United head into the clash at Ashton Gate with their sights set on automatic promotion, having established themselves as strong contenders early on. The Whites have collected 22 points from their opening 11 matches under manager Daniel Farke, making them third in the table, level with Burnley. Their sole defeat came at the hands of Burnley in mid-September, but Leeds have responded with a six-match unbeaten streak, showcasing their resilience and winning mentality.
Leeds returned from the international break with a dominant display against Sheffield United, handing the Blades their first league defeat of the season with a 2-0 victory. Pascal Struijk and Mateo Joseph were on target to deliver a statement win at Elland Road. They followed that up with another impressive performance, this time against Watford, with early goals from Largie Ramazani and Brenden Aaronson sealing a 2-1 triumph.
The visitors are on the hunt for three consecutive victories, which could see them break into the automatic promotion spots if other results go their way. Leeds United’s strong form and growing confidence make them a formidable opponent for Bristol City. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
Bristol City
Bristol City will be without midfielder Joe Williams, who is serving a suspension after accumulating five yellow cards this season, the most recent of which he received in Tuesday’s draw with Stoke City. This suspension adds to the Robins’ existing injury woes, with key players like Sam Bell, Ayman Benarous, Cameron Pring, Rob Dickie, and Rob Atkinson all sidelined due to injuries. Chris Hogg, who is temporarily in charge, faces the challenge of shuffling his squad to compensate for these absences.
In Williams’s absence, George Earthy is likely to step into the central midfield role alongside Max Bird and Jason Knight. Nahki Wells, fresh from scoring a midweek brace, is expected to lead the line once again. Meanwhile, Zak Vyner and Luke McNally are set to form the central defensive partnership, providing stability at the heart of the back four.
Bristol City is expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Max O’Leary will start as the goalkeeper, with George Tanner and Ross McCrorie occupying the right and left-back positions, respectively. Zak Vyner and Luke McNally will anchor the backline, offering defensive solidity.
As for the midfield unit, Max Bird and Jason Knight are set to operate as the double-pivot, balancing defensive duties with transitioning the ball forward. George Earthy will take up the central attacking midfield role, providing the link between midfield and attack, while Anis Mehmeti and Yu Hirakawa will be deployed on the wings to stretch the play and provide width.
Leading the attack, Nahki Wells will aim to build on his recent goal-scoring form, acting as the focal point of Bristol City’s offense. This formation is designed to offer defensive stability while maintaining attacking creativity through the wide players and the central attacking midfielder.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): O’Leary; Tanner, Vyner, McNally, McCrorie; Bird, Knight; Mehmeti, Earthy, Hirakawa; Wells
Leeds United
Leeds United face a suspension concern this weekend, as left-back Junior Firpo is ruled out due to accumulating too many yellow cards. Adding to their injury woes, Largie Ramazani, who opened the scoring against Watford on Tuesday, is also set to miss the upcoming game after limping off shortly after his goal. He joins midfielders Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu on the treatment table, leaving manager Daniel Farke with limited options.
In the absence of Firpo, Sam Byram is expected to step into the left-back position, forming a back four alongside Jayden Bogle at right-back, and Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk in central defence. With Gruev and Ampadu both unavailable, Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell will continue their effective midfield partnership, looking to dictate the tempo and maintain control in the middle of the park.
Largie Ramazani’s potential absence could see Tottenham Hotspur loanee Manor Solomon start on the left flank, offering width and creativity. Daniel James and Mateo Joseph are also vying for spots in the forward line, with Joseph having the edge as the lone striker. This could see Solomon and Willy Gnonto on the wings, while Brenden Aaronson takes up the central attacking midfield role just behind Joseph.
Leeds United will likely line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Illan Meslier will start in goal, while Jayden Bogle and Sam Byram are expected to occupy the right and left full-back positions, respectively. Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk will provide stability at the heart of the defence. Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell will sit as the double-pivot in midfield, balancing defensive duties with ball distribution.
Ahead of them, Brenden Aaronson is set to occupy the central attacking midfield role, aiming to connect midfield and attack. Manor Solomon is likely to start on the left wing, with Willy Gnonto on the right, both players tasked with creating opportunities from the flanks. Leading the line, Mateo Joseph will look to capitalise on the support from the attacking trio behind him. This setup emphasizes both defensive solidity and attacking flexibility, with the potential for wide players to cut inside and create chances.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Byram; Tanaka, Rothwell; Gnonto, Aaronson, Solomon; Joseph
Key Stats
- Bristol City have lost their last four home league matches against Leeds United since their 1-0 victory back in September 2016.
- Leeds United have won 15 of their last 18 league games against Bristol City (D2 L1), including each of the last six in a row against the Robins.
- Bristol City are unbeaten in their last 10 home league games (W6 D4), which is their longest unbeaten run at Ashton Gate since a streak of 15 games between February and November 2014 under Steve Cotterill.
- Leeds United have averaged 1.64 points per away game in the Championship under Daniel Farke (P28 W13 D7 L8). This is the joint-best average of any Whites’ manager in their league history, level with David O’Leary (P72 W33 D19 L20, converted to three points for a win).
Player to Watch
Wilfried Gnonto
Wilfried Gnonto has been a standout performer for Leeds United, particularly in recent away games. The dynamic winger has provided three assists in his last two away matches in the Championship—one against Norwich and two crucial ones against Sunderland. His pace, vision, and creativity on the flanks make him a constant threat to opposing defences, and he has developed a knack for delivering precise crosses and key passes in high-pressure situations.
Gnonto’s ability to beat his marker and create goal-scoring opportunities will be pivotal if Leeds United are to maintain their push for promotion and secure a crucial victory against Bristol City. He has provided three assists in his last two away league matches and could provide an assist in three consecutive away league matches for the first time in his Leeds United career.
Prediction
Bristol City 1-2 Leeds United
This match-up pits two in-form sides against each other, with Bristol City looking to extend their unbeaten run and Leeds United aiming to crack the automatic promotion spots. With both teams coming into the game in good spirits, it promises to be a tightly contested affair.
Leeds United have the edge in quality and form, and with Daniel Farke’s experience in the Championship, the Whites are well-positioned to come out on top. Bristol City, however, have proven their ability to compete against tough opponents and will not make it easy for the visitors. Leeds United’s superior firepower and current momentum may give them just enough to secure a hard-fought win at Ashton Gate.