All eyes will be on Elland Road when Leeds United welcome Middlesbrough in the EFL Championship on Tuesday night.
Leeds United find themselves in an enviable position in the Championship table as they prepare to host Middlesbrough at Elland Road. Sitting second with 38 points, Daniel Farke’s men are just one point behind league leaders Sheffield United. Fresh off a dominant 2-0 victory over Derby County on Saturday, the Peacocks will aim to extend their strong form in front of their home supporters.
The Whites were at their clinical best against Derby County, registering 18 shots with 10 coming from inside the penalty area, while restricting their opponents to just three attempts. Manager Daniel Farke praised his team’s dominant display, noting their ability to nullify Derby’s attack while creating numerous scoring opportunities.
Leeds United have now scored 33 goals this season, making them the joint-best offensive team in the division, while their tally of just 13 goals conceded ranks as the third-best defensive record in the league. Currently enjoying a purple patch, Leeds have won four of their last five league games, losing just twice in their previous 14 fixtures.
At Elland Road, the Peacocks have been virtually unstoppable, winning their last seven home matches. This impressive run includes six clean sheets, with only one goal conceded during that period, underscoring their dominance on home soil.
Middlesbrough travel to Elland Road on the back of a hard-fought 1-1 draw against third-placed Burnley on Friday. Michael Carrick’s men outperformed their promotion rivals in that game, creating two big chances while restricting the Clarets from producing any of their own. The performance highlights the significant turnaround Carrick has orchestrated after a shaky start to the season.
Boro endured a challenging opening to their campaign, losing four of their first 10 matches while scoring just 10 goals and ranking poorly in key attacking metrics. However, they have since turned their season around dramatically, winning five of their last eight games and ranking first in goals scored, big chances created, and shot conversion during that span. The transformation has propelled them to fifth place with 31 points, just seven points adrift of Leeds.
In their last six league outings, Middlesbrough have netted 19 goals, though defensive vulnerabilities remain as they failed to keep a clean sheet in any of those matches. Their away form has been impressive, with Boro going unbeaten in their last four games on the road, scoring 14 goals but conceding seven. 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
Leeds United
Leeds enter this key Championship clash with a few notable absences. Midfielder Ilia Gruev remains sidelined alongside forward Joe Gelhardt. In defense, Junior Firpo continues his recovery from a hamstring injury that will likely keep him out until January 2025, while Sam Byram is expected to return later in December. These injuries limit Daniel Farke’s options, particularly in defensive and attacking positions.
Despite these setbacks, the home side is expected to field a strong lineup in their familiar 4-2-3-1 formation. In goal, Illan Meslier will aim to maintain Leeds’s excellent defensive record. The back four should comprise Jayden Bogle at right-back, Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk as the central defensive duo, and Maximilian Wober occupying the left-back spot.
In midfield, the double pivot will likely feature Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell, providing both defensive cover and creative outlets. Ahead of them, the attacking midfield trio will see Dan James on the right, Brenden Aaronson operating centrally, and Wilfried Gnonto on the left, offering pace and flair. Up front, Joel Piroe will lead the line, tasked with converting the opportunities created by the players behind him.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Wober; Tanka, Rothwell; James, Aaronson, Gnonto; Piroe
Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough approach this challenging away fixture with several injury concerns, particularly in defense. Alex Bangura, Darragh Lenihan, Rav van den Berg, and Tommy Smith have all been ruled out, leaving Michael Carrick with limited options at the back. In midfield, Aidan Morris is also unavailable, further reducing Boro’s depth in the middle of the park.
Despite these absences, Middlesbrough are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Between the posts, Seny Dieng will look to provide stability and leadership. The back four is likely to feature Anfernee Dijksteel at right-back and Neto Borges on the left, with Dael Fry and George Edmundson forming the central defensive partnership.
As for the midfield unit, the double pivot will consist of Dan Barlaser and Hayden Hackney, who will be tasked with breaking up Leeds United’s attacks and transitioning the ball forward. In attack, Ben Doak is expected to take up the right-wing role, while Finn Azaz will operate as the creative central attacking midfielder.
On the left, Delano Burgzorg will add pace and width to the side. Leading the line will be Tommy Conway, who will look to capitalise on any chances created by the supporting trio behind him.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Dieng; Dijksteel, Fry, Edmundson, Borges; Barlaser, Hackney; Doak, Azaz, Burgzorg; Conway
Key Stats
- Leeds have won each of their last four league games against Middlesbrough, scoring 3+ goals in three of those matches, marking their longest-ever such winning run over Boro.
- Middlesbrough have failed to win any of their last eight away league games against Leeds United (D2 L6), scoring more than one goal in just one of those matches at Elland Road.
- This will be Leeds United’s 50th home league game against Middlesbrough. They have averaged 1.96 goals per game across prior meetings with Boro on home soil.
- Middlesbrough’s Emmanuel Latte Lath scored a brace in both league meetings with Leeds last season but ended up on the losing side on both occasions (3-2 away, 4-3 home).
- Leeds United’s manager Daniel Farke has won seven of his eight league games against Middlesbrough (D1), his most wins against a single opponent as a Championship manager.
Player to Watch
Wilfried Gnonto
Gnonto has been a key player for Leeds United this season, consistently demonstrating his attacking prowess and creativity. Known for his exceptional dribbling skills, pace, and ability to take on defenders, Gnonto has been instrumental in creating goalscoring opportunities for his team.
His versatility allows him to operate effectively on either wing or as a central attacking midfielder, and he frequently links up well with teammates like Brenden Aaronson and Joel Piroe. Against a Middlesbrough defense that has shown vulnerability on the road, Gnonto’s agility and flair could be crucial in breaking through and exploiting gaps.
Prediction
Leeds United 2-1 Middlesbrough
Leeds United’s home advantage and defensive resilience should see them edge a competitive encounter, but Boro’s attacking threats may ensure a close contest with both sides finding the net. Given Leeds’s imperious form at Elland Road and their solid defensive record, they will go into this match as favourites.
The Peacocks’ ability to control games at home, and their recent seven-match winning streak on their own turf will pose a significant challenge for Middlesbrough. However, Boro’s attacking resurgence under Michael Carrick cannot be underestimated.
Their ability to create and convert chances, coupled with their unbeaten away streak, suggests they have the firepower to trouble Leeds United’s backline. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for Daniel Farke and his charges.
