Leeds United will be keen to improve their lead at the top of the EFL Championship standings when they take on Burnley on Monday.
Burnley and Leeds United, two powerhouses of the EFL Championship this season, are set to collide in a crucial clash at Turf Moor on Monday night. With both teams occupying top spots in the league table, this fixture could have significant implications on the title race and the battle for promotion to the Premier League.
The Clarets under Scott Parker’s management, are aiming for another immediate return to the Premier League after being relegated last season. Sitting third in the standings with 56 points from 28 matches, Burnley have demonstrated consistency, boasting 15 wins, 11 draws, and just two losses. A win in this game would level them on points with league leaders Leeds United, solidifying their case as serious title contenders.
Burnley’s strength lies in their fortress-like home form. They remain unbeaten at Turf Moor in the Championship this season, with six wins and seven draws in 13 home matches. Additionally, they are on a remarkable 16-match unbeaten run across all competitions, highlighting their resilience and determination. Burnley also have the confidence of having beaten Leeds in the reverse fixture earlier this season, thanks to Luca Koleosho’s decisive strike.
Leeds United are back with a vengeance after missing out on promotion last season. Sitting at the summit of the Championship table with 59 points from 28 matches, Daniel Farke’s men have showcased an excellent balance of attacking prowess and defensive solidity. Their record of 17 wins, eight draws, and just three defeats highlights their consistency.
Daniel Farke and Co. come into this encounter unbeaten in their last 11 games, with clean sheets in each of their last three outings. This strong defensive form could be pivotal in a high-stakes clash like this. A win at Turf Moor would see the Whites move six points clear of Burnley and further cement their position at the top, while dealing a psychological blow to their title rivals. 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
Burnley
Burnley will head into this crucial encounter with a few notable absentees. Aaron Ramsey remains sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury, while Enock Agyei and Jordan Beyer are also out due to leg and hamstring issues, respectively.
Nathan Redmond and Manuel Benson have resumed first-team training but are not expected to be fully fit for this game, leaving their participation doubtful. These injury concerns mean Scott Parker may rely on a largely unchanged lineup from their emphatic 5-0 win over Plymouth Argyle.
In terms of their formation, Burnley are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 system. James Trafford, who has kept a league-high 18 clean sheets this season, will guard the goal. Connor Roberts will likely start as the right-back, with CJ Egan-Riley and Maxime Esteve forming the central defensive duo, while Lucas Pires takes up the left-back role.
In midfield, Josh Cullen and Josh Laurent are set to operate as a double pivot, providing stability and linking the defence with the attack. The attacking trio of Jaidon Anthony, Josh Brownhill, and Lyle Foster will support Zian Flemming, who is expected to lead the line after his brace against Plymouth.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Trafford; Roberts, Egan-Riley, Esteve, Pires; Cullen, Laurent; Anthony, Brownhill, Foster; Flemming
Leeds United
Leeds United will travel to Turf Moor with a couple of notable absences in their squad. Pascal Struijk remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, meaning Ethan Ampadu will retain his spot in central defence. Additionally, Patrick Bamford is unavailable due to a similar hamstring problem, leaving Joel Piroe to continue leading the attack.
Despite these setbacks, Daniel Farke has a largely fit squad to choose from. Wingers Daniel James and Manor Solomon, who both found the net in the recent 2-0 victory over Norwich City, are expected to retain their starting positions, leaving Largie Ramazani as an option from the bench.
In terms of formation, Leeds United are set to deploy a 4-2-3-1 system. Illan Meslier will take his place between the posts, with Jayden Bogle at right-back and Junior Firpo at left-back. Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu will form the central defensive partnership.
In midfield, Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell will operate as the double pivot, providing defensive cover and transition support. The attacking midfield trio will consist of Daniel James on the right wing, Brenden Aaronson in the central playmaker role, and Manor Solomon on the left flank. Up front, Joel Piroe will lead the line as the lone striker. This lineup balances attacking threat with defensive stability, ensuring Leeds are well-prepared for this crucial top-of-the-table clash.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Bogle, Rodon, Ampadu, Firpo; Tanaka, Rothwell; James, Aaronson, Solomon; Piroe
Key Stats
- Burnley have won just one of their last five league games against Leeds United (D1 L3). However, that sole victory came during the reverse fixture in September, where they triumphed 1-0.
- Leeds are unbeaten in their last two away league games against Burnley (W1 D1). Their last longer unbeaten run at Turf Moor was between September 1975 and October 2005, spanning four games.
- Burnley are unbeaten in their last 13 home league games (W6 D7), conceding just four goals during this period. The Clarets’ last longer unbeaten home run was between August 2022 and April 2023, covering 21 games.
- Leeds United have lost only two of their last 13 away league matches (W5 D6). However, they have scored an average of just 1.4 goals per match during this run.
- Leeds’ forward Joel Piroe has been directly involved in four goals in his last three away league matches (3 goals, 1 assist). This tally surpasses his involvement in his previous 17 games on the road (3 goals).
Player to Watch
Joel Piroe
The Dutch forward has been directly involved in four goals in his last three away league games, scoring three and assisting one. This impressive form on the road highlights his growing influence in Leeds United’s quest for promotion back to the Premier League.
Piroe’s ability to find pockets of space in the opposition’s defensive structure, coupled with his sharp finishing skills, makes him a constant threat in and around the penalty area. His link-up play with the midfield and wide players has also been instrumental in Leeds’s attacking strategy, often creating chances out of seemingly tight situations.
Against a Burnley side that boasts an unbeaten home record this season, Piroe’s clinical edge could prove pivotal. Leeds will rely on his composure in front of the goal to break through a disciplined Burnley defence and potentially secure a vital result in this top-of-the-table clash. Keep an eye on Piroe as he aims to extend his impressive run of form and solidify his reputation as one of the Championship’s top forwards.
Prediction
Burnley 1-1 Leeds United
With both teams unbeaten in recent weeks, this match is poised to be a thrilling battle. Burnley’s formidable home record and unbeaten streak will be tested against Leeds United’s clinical form and defensive discipline. The stakes are high, and a draw seems like the most likely outcome, with both sides keen to avoid defeat in such a pivotal fixture.