Championship | Gameweek 27

Jan 19, 2025 at 12pm UK

Elland Road

Leeds vs Sheff Weds

Match preview

Having suffered heartache in the playoff final last season, Leeds look determined to ensure they do not miss out on promotion to the Premier League this time around.

Daniel Farke's men have enjoyed a hugely successful season, particularly at home, where they have the best record of any team in the division.

Impressively, the Whites have conceded just seven times at home this season, scoring 30 goals in the process, which is a big reason why they have only lost once at Elland Road in the league this season.

The hosts are also on a nine-match unbeaten run in all competitions, with their last defeat coming away to Blackburn Rovers in November.

However, Farke will be wary that his side have dropped points in each of their last two games and if they are to secure automatic promotion this year, they cannot afford too many draws with the likes of Burnley, Sheffield United and Sunderland breathing down their necks.

They will be looking for their first league win of the new year this weekend when they take on a Wednesday side who have exceeded expectations so far this season under Danny Rohl.

The hosts will be hoping to continue their dominance of their Yorkshire counterparts, with the Whites unbeaten in their last 17 meetings with teams from the region.

After finishing 20th in the Championship last season, the Owls were expected to be closer to the relegation zone than promotion, but Wednesday's form has improved as the season has progressed.

A defeat to local rivals Sheffield United in November left Rohl's side just three points above the relegation zone, but the disappointment of that day appeared to be the turning point in their season.

In the 11 games since the Bramall Lane defeat, Wednesday have won five and drawn four, giving their supporters realistic hopes of a promotion push in the second half of the season.

There has been a marked improvement in Wednesday's form away from home, with Rohl's side winning five of their last eight league games, the same number as in their previous 14 away fixtures.

Despite now having the seventh best away record in the Championship, the Owls will have to work hard to come away from Elland Road with a win this weekend.

Despite enjoying a successful season so far, the visitors have the sixth-worst defensive record in the division, having conceded 40 goals in 26 games.

This weekend will be a big challenge for their defence as they come up against a prolific Leeds side who have scored more goals than any other side in the league with 48 in 26 games - five more than the second highest scorers, Middlesbrough.

Recent Performance

Leeds United Championship form:DWWWDD

Leeds United form (all competitions):WWWDDW

Sheffield Wednesday Championship form:WWDLWD

Sheffield Wednesday form (all competitions):WDLWDL

Team News

Leeds have suffered an injury blow ahead of the game, with Pascal Struijk ruled out for at least three weeks with a hamstring problem.

Patrick Bamford and Junior Firpo are also out with hamstring injuries, although the Brazilian is expected to return at the end of the month.

In better news for the hosts, top scorer Joel Piroe is available for selection this weekend after missing last weekend's FA Cup win over Harrogate Town.

Elsewhere, Ilia Gruev returned to action as a late substitute against Harrogate after three months out with a knee injury.

Meanwhile, the visitors have a couple of doubts for this game, with both Michael Ihiekwe and Olaf Kobacki reportedly lacking match fitness.

Other absentees for Wednesday include Yan Valery (knee), Dominic Iorfa (hamstring) and Akin Famewo (muscle).

Possible starting lineup

Leeds United possible starting lineup:

Meslier; Wober, Rodon, Tanaka, Bogle; Ampadu, Rothwell, Aaronson, James, Solomon; Piroe

Sheffield Wednesday possible starting lineup:

Beadle; Lowe, Bernard, Otegbayo, Valentin; Bannan, Charles, Gassama, Windass, Musaba; Ugbo