Leeds United vs Leicester City
Leeds United’s Premier League comeback tour continues at Elland Road this Monday night as they will host Leicester City.
The Whites and the Foxes have been superb so far after the first six matchdays, and both are not far off from each other in the standings to which they are placed ninth and seventh respectively.
Both are coming off victories in the last time out and they are keen on adding to their win total in order to gain more ground in the unpredictable championship race.
However, the biggest difference between them will be on how they will approach this match, as the home team has the luxury of having more time to rest while their visitors have to balance their commitment playing in the Europa League.
Nonetheless, this should be a cracker of a match that is sure to bring some of the best Premier League 2020 highlights.
Will Marcelo Bielsa’s men continue their Cinderella run here in English top-flight? Or will Brendan Rodgers’ side rain on the Whites’ parade?
Check out the latest match preview courtesy of SBOTOP.
Talking Points
Marcelo Bielsa showing off his coaching pedigree
With Leeds United making a good impression in their first season back in the Premier League, it is natural that the man behind the coaching helm has been getting a lot of praise.
From the moment that they put up a valiant effort against the defending champions in Liverpool, it is clear that the Whites are here to stay in the long run.
Bielsa’s success in leading Leeds United are predicated on their versatility, unity, and grit – all of which leading to them being in the top half of the table.
Their attack has been lethal as Bielsa somehow turned Patrick Bamford into a lite version of Dennis Bergkamp while their summer acquisition in Rodrigo Moreno has paid massive dividends.
Their backline is no joke either as Bielsa instilled a no-nonsense approach from his boys.
Despite losing standout centre-back Kalvin Phillips to a shoulder injury that would sideline him for weeks, Leeds United’s defence has only surrendered nine goals so far this term.
Luke Ayling, Robert Koch, Pascal Struijk, and Jamie Shackleton had their share of shining moments, while Illan Meslier is slowly rounding into a fine goalkeeper.
Liam Cooper, who previously sustained a groin injury during his international duty, is expected to make his comeback in the starting lineup. He will surely help Leeds’ defence immensely with his leadership and physicality.
Leicester City facing injury concerns
Team manager Brendan Rodgers will have to do some reshuffling in his lineup since they have been hit by injuries lately.
Jonny Evans, Timothy Castagne, Caglar Soyuncu, Wilfred Ndidi, and Daniel Amartey have all been sidelined, which will definitely hurt their midfield and backline.
But despite their problems, Leicester City managed to notch three straight wins against Arsenal in the Premier League, Zorya Luhansk, and AEK Athens in the Europa League group stage.
Jamie Vardy is living up to his Golden Boot award last season as he would come in to bail out the Foxes in so many occasions.
The 33-year-old is expected to carry more of the attacking load for Leicester City as they try to make amends for missing out on a Champions League berth during the last few weeks last term.
Ricardo Pereira, who had been out due to a ligament injury, looks to have fully recovered and he will provide much needed support in the right-back position this weekend.
History
This marks the first Premier League match between these two sides since 2004, with the Whites winning with a score of 3-2 in a season that saw both of them relegated.
Leeds United have been on fire this season. They’ve scored 12 goals already after six matches – which is the most by a newly-promoted club since Middlesbrough back in 1993.
Leicester City, on the other hand, have lost just two of their previous 13 encounters against Leeds United (W5, D6). They are looking to win five of their first seven matches this season for the first time ever.
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