Leeds United will hope to pull further away at the top of the table when they take on West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
EFL Championship leaders Leeds United will look to extend their winning streak to six matches when they host West Bromwich Albion at Elland Road on Saturday. Daniel Farke’s side are in pole position for automatic promotion, while the fifth-placed Baggies will be fighting to consolidate their playoff spot with a positive result.
The West Yorkshire outfit are firmly in control of the EFL Championship title race, having won five consecutive matches, including back-to-back victories over direct promotion rivals.
Their latest triumph came in dramatic fashion against Sheffield United, where Junior Firpo equalised before Ao Tanaka and Joel Piroe struck in the 89th and 90th minute to secure a stunning 3-1 win at Bramall Lane. That victory extended Leeds’s unbeaten run to 16 matches (W12 D4), further strengthening their hold on top spot.
With five points separating them from second-placed Sheffield United and seven ahead of Burnley in third, Leeds United know that maintaining their incredible home form could be the key to sealing automatic promotion.
They have been imperious at Elland Road, winning 13 of their last 14 home league matches (D1) and scoring 44 goals in 17 home fixtures while conceding just eight. Given their defensive solidity and attacking firepower, Leeds will be confident of extending their winning run on home soil.
West Bromwich Albion head into this clash fighting to secure a top-six finish, as they currently sit in fifth place, level on points with Blackburn Rovers but ahead on goal difference. The Baggies boosted their playoff hopes last weekend with a 2-0 home victory over Oxford United, thanks to goals from Alex Mowatt and John Swift. That result was their sixth home win in eight matches, reinforcing their strong form at The Hawthorns.
However, their away form has been a major concern, as they are winless in their last nine Championship away matches (D5 L4), dating back to their 2-1 win over Hull City in November. Their goalscoring struggles on the road are particularly concerning, as they have failed to score more than one goal in any of those nine away matches.
Against a Leeds United defence that ranks second-best in the division, the Baggies will have to be clinical to stand any chance of an upset. West Brom can take some confidence from their recent record against Leeds, having avoided defeat in their last three meetings, including a goalless draw in August’s reverse fixture. 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 United will be without key defender Maximilian Wober, who remains sidelined due to a knee injury. Additionally, Patrick Bamford will be unavailable as he continues to recover from his own knee issue.
Club captain Ethan Ampadu is also a major doubt after missing Monday’s 3-1 victory over Sheffield United, with the Welsh international still dealing with a knee problem. His absence would be a big blow to Daniel Farke’s midfield, given his ability to shield the backline and dictate play.
Despite these injury concerns, Joel Piroe will continue to lead the attack, with the Dutch striker looking to build on his 15 league goals this season. He will be the main goal threat, tasked with breaking down a West Brom defence that has been inconsistent on the road.
Leeds United are likely to stick with their familiar 4-2-3-1 setup, a system that has allowed them to balance defensive solidity with attacking intent. In goal, Illan Meslier will continue as the first-choice goalkeeper, bringing his shot-stopping ability and command of the box.
The defensive line will see Jayden Bogle starting at right-back, offering an attacking outlet while remaining solid defensively. Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk will form the centre-back pairing, ensuring aerial dominance and composure at the back. On the left, Junior Firpo will take his usual place, looking to support the attack while tracking back when needed.
As for the midfield unit, Ilia Gruev and Ao Tanaka will operate as the double pivot, tasked with breaking up opposition play and providing stability in the centre of the park. Further forward, Daniel James will bring pace and width on the right flank, while Brenden Aaronson will play in the attacking midfield role, linking the midfield with the striker.
Manor Solomon is expected to take up the left-wing position, where he will look to cut inside and create chances. Leading the attack will be Joel Piroe, who will be the focal point in attack, using his movement and finishing ability to trouble West Brom’s defence.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Firpo; Gruev, Tanaka; James, Aaronson, Solomon; Piroe
West Bromwich Albion
West Bromwich Albion will be without key attacking duo Jed Wallace and Josh Maja, who remain sidelined with calf and leg injuries, respectively. Their absence will be a significant blow to the Baggies’ attacking options, as both players have been instrumental in creating and finishing chances this season.
Additionally, defender Semi Ajayi is a major doubt after he suffered a hamstring injury in the first half against Oxford United. If he fails to recover in time, Kyle Bartley is expected to replace him at center-back, having recently completed a three-match suspension following a straight red card against Sheffield Wednesday on February 8.
With several key players missing, West Brom manager Tony Mowbray will need to find the right tactical balance to contain Leeds United’s attacking threat while ensuring his side remains competitive in the final third.
The Baggies are set to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to maintain a structured defensive shape while using their pace on the wings to counter Leeds’s high-pressing style. In goal, Joe Wildsmith will continue as the first-choice goalkeeper, tasked with keeping the home side’s high-scoring attack at bay.
The defensive line will consist of Darnell Furlong at right-back, with Kyle Bartley stepping in at centre-back alongside Torbjorn Heggem. On the left, Callum Styles will be tasked with containing Leeds’ wide threats while supporting forward plays.
As for the midfield unit, Alex Mowatt and Jayson Molumby will form the double pivot, aiming to protect the defence while providing a platform for counter-attacks. The attacking trio behind the striker will see Tom Fellows operating on the right wing, with Isaac Price playing as the central attacking midfielder.
Mikey Johnston will take up the left-wing position, looking to use his direct running and dribbling ability to create openings. Leading the attack will be Adam Armstrong, who will be relied upon for his physical presence, hold-up play, and finishing ability. With West Brom struggling for goals on the road, Armstrong will need to capitalise on any chances that come his way.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Wildsmith; Furlong, Bartley, Heggem, Styles; Mowatt, Molumby; Fellows, Price, Johnston; Armstrong
Key Stats
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Leeds United have lost just one of their last eight league games against West Bromwich Albion (W4 D3 L1), although they have failed to score in their last two meetings with the Baggies.
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West Bromwich Albion have won just one of their last 13 away league games against Leeds (D4 L8), with their last victory at Elland Road coming in January 2007 (3-2).
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Leeds United have won 13 of their last 14 home league games (D1), outscoring opponents 38-3 in that period. Their defensive and attacking strength at Elland Road makes them a formidable force.
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Joel Piroe has netted five goals in his last five Championship appearances for Leeds, but he is yet to score in either of his games against West Brom for the Whites.
Player to Watch
Wilfried Gnonto
The Italian winger has the ability to change games with his pace, dribbling, and attacking directness, making him a potential game-changer in the latter stages of the match.
While Daniel Farke has preferred other attacking options from the start, Gnonto’s impact as a substitute has been significant this season. His ability to exploit tired defenses, take on defenders one-on-one, and create chances in tight spaces makes him a dangerous option late in the game.
With West Brom struggling in away matches and Leeds United boasting a strong home record, Gnonto’s introduction in the second half could provide fresh energy and unpredictability in the final third, helping Leeds break down a potentially compact Baggies defense.
Expect Gnonto to be an influential presence off the bench, capable of providing an assist or even getting on the scoresheet if given space to attack.
Prediction
Leeds United 2-0 West Bromwich Albion
Leeds United’s firepower and home advantage should prove too much for West Bromwich Albion, strengthening their grip on top spot in the Championship. The former’s dominant home form and West Brom’s away struggles suggest that this fixture heavily favors the hosts.
The Whites have been ruthless at Elland Road, and with promotion in sight, they will aim to keep their momentum going. West Brom’s defensive resilience could frustrate Leeds early on, but given their lack of goals on the road, it will be difficult for them to keep pace with Daniel Farke’s attacking side. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-0 win for Farke and his charges.
