‘The last thing you want to do is give this Leeds team an early goal’ - Leeds United Preview
Brady Frost, Feature Writer
Twitter: @brady0894
Source for image above: HTAFC
It’s the big one. Can Huddersfield stop high-flying Leeds? Oscar Marriott from All Leeds TV breaks down Bielsa’s boys ahead of the derby.
When both Huddersfield and Leeds come into the West Yorkshire derby having won 4-0 the previous week, you’d expect a flurry of goals, but the form suggests otherwise.
In the previous three fixtures between the two sides, only one game had more than two goals, Huddersfield’s 2-1 home win against Leeds in 2017, with Michael Hefele scoring the late winner.
A similar score might seem unlikely this season, as Leeds have the best defensive record in the Championship, conceding just 30 goals in 36 games. The side are unbeaten in their last five matches, and given the difference in league positions, 15 places between the two sides - Huddersfield Town should treat this as a free hit.
However, in Leeds’ last ten matches they have lost four, including one at Elland Road to relegation strugglers Wigan. A game which saw the home side dominate, but Wigan won with two shots on target and just 23% possession. Can Huddersfield use this as a blueprint to frustrate The Whites, having put in a similar impressive performance themselves to promotion chasers Brentford?
To see who might get bragging rights after Saturday, And He Takes That Chance spoke to Oscar Marriott from Leeds United fan channel All Leeds TV.
With ten games to go before the season finishes, Leeds look set to return to the Premier League. Photo source: Leeds United
How would you rate Leeds’ season so far?
9/10 we could not have asked for anything more just a point off the top and we’ve recovered well from our horrendous finish to last season.
What did you think of Huddersfield when they played against Leeds earlier this season?
You looked a far better team than your league position would suggest you pressed the ball well and forced us into a lot of errors. Going forward you were able to create a fair few chances. It was a great win for us but not particularly comfortable.
What’s your prediction for the rest of Leeds’ season, is this the season you finally get back to the Premier League?
I think so, I’m not sure we will win the league but I think we have done things a bit differently to last season we seem to be getting stronger as the season progresses whereas last season we were getting weaker and Bielsa burnout was starting to tell. A long way to go yet and it looks like we need to win at least 6 of our last 10 to go up which is always a tough ask at this level.
Kiko Casilla has been banned for eight matches after being found guilty of breaching FA Rule E3. Photo source: Leeds United
What is the fans verdict on Kiko Casilla being banned for eight games, do they stand with him or is this the end of his time at Leeds United?
I read the report and had to agree with the verdict, it’s a very difficult question to answer but put it this way there are big calls for him to be sacked and I certainly don’t see his name being chanted anytime soon.
This is seen as a free hit by some Huddersfield Town fans, how can Huddersfield take advantage of Leeds United?
Keep it very tight early doors the last thing you want to give this Leeds team is an early goal. I certainly think defending set pieces is a weakness for us. This season unlike last there’s no specific areas of weakness within the starting 11 absolutely everyone brings something to the team and does at the very least the basics of their individual job.
Striker Patrick Bamford has been a figure of frustration this season for Leeds fans. Photo source: Leeds United
Has Patrick Bamford frustrated fans as much as the media has made out?
He misses chances, huge chances and should have more goals but all in all he brings a lot more to the team than he did last season. He holds the ball up well and links up play like few other strikers do at this level. However, his recent form has been particularly poor and Tyler Roberts coming off the bench and scoring more goals in 25 minutes than Bamford has since Christmas puts the pressure on.
What did the fans think of Leeds’ January transfer business? Have Poveda and Augustin improved the side?
Poveda was more of a signing for the academy whilst Augustin is currently out injured so difficult to say at the moment.
Who has been the standout performer this season?
A few candidates here but Ben White for his consistency over the season. I’ve never seen a CB for Leeds make so few mistakes or as calm on the ball since the days of Rio Ferdinand. Considering it’s his first season in the Championship too makes it all the more impressive.
Mateusz Klich has been in impressive form for Leeds this season. Photo source: Leeds United
Which players have performed well but gone under the radar to other clubs in the league?
Luke Ayling and Mateusz Klich for me both have become the best players in the league within their respective positions. Klich in particular is in arguably the best form of his career.
What do you think of Huddersfield so far this season?
A tough first season back but if you keep hold of the loan players and players like Grant I definitely expect a far better second season. I think Cowley has improved things maybe not the extent I expected but for me you are a team too good to go down.
What’s the fan opinion going into this derby match?
Both teams are in form but it’s the same for both teams, results are growing in importance.
What’s your score prediction for the game?
2-1 to Leeds. It’s a tough game for us and potentially will follow a similar pattern to our first game in December.
How do you think Huddersfield will get on against Leeds? Let us know in the comments!
