Sheffield United welcome Leeds United in the top-of-the-table clash on Monday night.
Two of Yorkshire’s fiercest rivals, Sheffield United and Leeds United, will meet in a crucial Championship showdown at Bramall Lane on Monday, with the stakes at an all-time high. Leeds arrive as the league leaders, while Sheffield United sit just two points behind in second place, setting up a potential title-defining encounter.
Chris Wilder’s side have been in sensational form in February, bouncing back from a 3-0 home defeat to Hull City in January by winning four consecutive league matches. Their winning run began with an away triumph over Derby County, followed by back-to-back home victories against Portsmouth and Middlesbrough. Last weekend, they edged past Luton Town 1-0 courtesy of Anel Ahmedhodzic’s late goal, marking their third straight head-to-head win over the Hatters.
That victory saw Sheffield United establish a five-point cushion over Burnley in third place, though that gap has now shrunk to two points following Burnley’s 4-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday on Friday.
Despite the pressure, the Blades can draw confidence from their exceptional home record this season. In 16 home league matches, they have secured 12 wins, two draws, and just two losses, making Bramall Lane a fortress. A victory on Monday would see them leapfrog Leeds into first place, but they have not beaten the Whites since March 2019 when they won 1-0 at Elland Road.
Leeds United are in commanding form, sitting atop the Championship standings with a record of 21 wins, nine draws, and just three losses from 33 matches. Under Daniel Farke, they have put together a remarkable 15-match unbeaten run since their last league defeat to Blackburn Rovers in November.
Their current four-match winning streak began with a 7-0 demolition of Cardiff City, followed by back-to-back away wins at Coventry City and Watford, where they did not concede a single goal. Most recently, they showcased their resilience in a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory against Sunderland, with Pascal Struijk scoring both the equalizer and a dramatic stoppage-time winner.
Leeds are the highest-scoring team in the Championship, having netted 68 goals in 33 matches, while also boasting the second-best defensive record, conceding just 20 goals. Their ability to dominate at both ends of the pitch was evident in their 2-0 win over Sheffield United in October, and they will be aiming for a fourth consecutive victory over the Blades on Monday night. 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
Sheffield United
Sheffield United will remain without Oliver Arblaster, who continues his rehabilitation from a long-term anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The young midfielder is not expected to return to action anytime soon, leaving the Blades without his services for this crucial fixture.
Manager Chris Wilder has indicated that he will give Gustavo Hamer, Kieffer Moore, and Tom Cannon every opportunity to prove their fitness ahead of Monday’s high-stakes encounter. Their potential availability could provide a significant boost, especially in the attacking third.
Additionally, Harrison Burrows and Callum O’Hare are pushing for recalls after being left on the bench in the previous match against Luton Town. With rotation likely, both could be in contention for a starting role.
The Blades are expected to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, a system that has provided them with both defensive solidity and attacking flexibility. Michael Cooper is likely to start in goal, with a back four consisting of Harry Clarke at right-back, Anel Ahmedhodzic and Jack Robinson as the central defensive pairing, and Harrison Burrows returning to his natural left-back position.
In midfield, Vinicius Souza and Hamza Choudhury will operate as the double pivot, providing defensive coverage while also initiating attacking transitions. The three attacking midfielders behind the striker will feature Jesurun Rak-Sakyi on the right wing, Callum O’Hare in the central playmaker role, and Ben Brereton Diaz offering width and goal-scoring threat from the left flank.
Leading the line will be Tyrese Campbell, whose pace and movement will be key in troubling the Leeds backline. With Sheffield United needing a statement performance, his role in holding up play and finishing chances will be crucial in determining the outcome of this Yorkshire derby.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Cooper; Clarke, Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Burrows; Vini Souza, Choudhury; Rak-Sakyi, O’Hare, Brereton Diaz; Campbell
Leeds United
Leeds United will be without Maximilian Wober and Patrick Bamford, as both players remain sidelined due to knee and hamstring injuries, respectively. Their absence limits Daniel Farke’s options in defence and attack, but Leeds have shown resilience despite injury setbacks.
Additionally, the visitors will have to assess the fitness of Manor Solomon, who picked up a knock during Monday’s 2-1 win over Sunderland. His availability remains uncertain, and if he fails to recover in time, Largie Ramazani is expected to take his place in the starting lineup.
A tactical adjustment could also see Pascal Struijk move into the heart of the defence to partner Joe Rodon, which would allow Ethan Ampadu to step into a midfield role, adding steel and composure to Leeds United’s core.
The visitors are set to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, a setup that has provided them with balance between defensive security and attacking creativity. Illan Meslier will continue as the first-choice goalkeeper, offering reliability between the posts.
The defensive line is expected to feature Jayden Bogle at right-back, with Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk forming a solid central defensive pairing. Junior Firpo will occupy the left-back role, providing both defensive coverage and attacking width.
In midfield, Ethan Ampadu will likely step forward into a deeper role alongside Ao Tanaka, forming a double pivot responsible for breaking up opposition attacks and dictating play from deep.
The attacking trio behind the striker will feature Daniel James on the right wing, Brenden Aaronson operating as the central attacking midfielder, and Largie Ramazani stepping in on the left wing if Manor Solomon is unavailable. Their pace, movement, and creativity will be key in unlocking Sheffield United’s defence.
Leading the line will be Joel Piroe, who has been a reliable goal-scoring presence for Leeds United. His finishing ability, combined with his hold-up play, will be crucial as Leeds look to extend their 15-match unbeaten run in the Championship.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Firpo; Ampadu, Tanaka; James, Aaronson, Ramazani; Piroe
Key Stats
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Sheffield United have lost their last two home league games against Leeds United 1-0, which is as many defeats as they suffered in their previous 13 home meetings combined (W6 D5).
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Leeds have won each of their last three league meetings against Sheffield United. The last time they won four consecutive games against the Blades was between 1990 and 1992 (six straight wins).
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The Blades have won seven of their last eight Championship matches, with their only loss in this run being the 3-0 home Yorkshire derby defeat to Hull City in January. A win here would see them record five consecutive league victories for the first time since December 2022.
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Leeds United are unbeaten in their last 15 league matches (W11 D4), equalling their best unbeaten run under Daniel Farke (first 15 league games of 2024). The Whites’ last longer unbeaten streak came between October and February of their 1991-92 title-winning season (16 matches).
Player to Watch
Daniel James
The Welsh winger has been one of Leeds United’s most dynamic performers this season, offering pace, direct dribbling, and a relentless work rate that makes him a nightmare for defenders.
James has been particularly lethal in away matches, scoring three goals in his last four Championship appearances on the road — as many as he had managed in his first 45 away league outings. His 3.6 shots per 90 minutes is the highest average by any Leeds player this season (minimum 1000 minutes), proving how influential he is in creating goal-scoring opportunities.
His ability to stretch defences and exploit spaces behind full-backs will be crucial against a Sheffield United side that has won seven of their last eight matches and boasts an impressive home record. If Leeds are to extend their 15-match unbeaten streak, expect Daniel James to be at the heart of their attacking movements, either scoring himself or providing key assists for Joel Piroe and Brenden Aaronson.
Prediction
Sheffield United 1-2 Leeds United
Leeds United’s attacking depth and unbeaten momentum should be enough to edge a fiercely competitive Yorkshire derby. With both teams in outstanding form and the top spot on the line, this promises to be a tightly contested battle.
Sheffield United’s home record is formidable, but Leeds United’s firepower and defensive solidity make them a formidable opponent. The Blades will need to be at their very best to break down the Championship’s most complete side. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for Daniel Farke and his charges.
