With second place still up for grabs, Leeds United will try to maintain their momentum before visiting Rotherham United.
Leeds United will be eager to maintain their dominant position in the standings when they host Rotherham United at Elland Road on Saturday night. Leeds United is having a fantastic start to 2024.
In the match, the team that has the only undefeated home record in the Championship takes against the team that has lost all 27 of its away league games. In English football history, it is the second-worst record of its kind.
Rotherham United could not have asked for a worse assignment this weekend, considering that Leeds United is a different animal at home. It is tough to watch Daniel Fartke’s team give up at Elland Road as the Whites and Southampton fight for the coveted second place.
Leeds United can’t afford to give up any more ground, especially because the Saints have played one fewer game. In fourth place, Ipswich Town is very almost there, therefore it is up to the home team to get their marbles piled properly.
Conversely, Rotherham United is in the bottom and desperately trying to hang on to their second-tier status. It is hard to envision the guests getting much out of the journey to Elland Road at this point since they are waging a losing battle. Ahead of the most recent meeting between the two parties, The Hard Tackle takes a deeper look at the interaction.
Leeds United
Daniel Farke should have a potent squad on the evening and is anticipated to bring his major hitters back for the contest. Nevertheless, Stuart Dallas, Pascal Struijk, and Daniel James all out with injuries for Leeds United.
Farke is anticipated to stick with his go-to configuration for the remainder of the game, which has been a 4-2-3-1 shape this season. In goal, Illan Meslier ought to get the start behind Archie Gray, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, and Junior Firpo’s back four.
Wilfried Gnonto and Crysencio Sumemrville will be able to supply the width if Ilia Gruev and Glen Kamara continue to operate as a double pivot. The former is on a good run of form and has scored in his previous two outings.
Patrick Bamford should lead the line, and Georginio Rutter should take the ten spot. The latter will want to score for a third club in his career against Rotherham, where he has a strong record. It has also been a godsend that he has returned to form, and Farke will be eager to make the most of Bamford’s expertise.
Farke will be eager to get going right away again after taking home the January manager of the money title. Anything less than a victory is nothing more than a wasted opportunity, and momentum is crucial.