Leeds United

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Leeds manager Daniel Farke said conceding first in away games has become a real problem as his team fell out of the automatic promotion places.

The Whites have fallen behind in each of their past four away games, although they won the first of those, against current leaders Sheffield United.

Farke told BBC Radio Leeds: "It's always difficult of course (to concede first) especially here at Luton. It's always easier for the away team to open the contest and use our strengths in counter-attacks.

"It always helps, instead of the other team being able to concentrate on being rock-solid, compact and good in defending, and you have to defend some counter-attacks, so it's a problem.

"I would like to be in the lead at some point in an away game, it would make our lives a bit easier. You can have wishes and dreams but they can't all happen in some periods of the season, so we just have to have reality and dig and grind out, and this was a hard-fought point."

Image source, Rex Features

Saturday lunchtime sees a potentially pivotal game at both ends of the season as Luton entertain Leeds at 12:30 BST.

The Hatters are second-bottom, effectively four points from safety with seven games remaining, while Whites are second, two points behind leaders Sheffield United, who play later on Saturday.

Daniel Farke's side have won only one of their past five league games and taken just one point from their past two on the road.

For all their struggles this season, Matt Bloomfield's men have only conceded eight goals in their past 13 games at Kenilworth Road in the Championship.

• Luton have won one of their past 12 league games against Leeds (D3 L8), beating the Whites 5-1 in the Championship in October 2006.

• Leeds United are looking to complete a league double over Luton Town for the first time since the 1991-92 top-flight season, when the Whites won the title.

• In March, only Burnley (13) and Sheffield United (13) picked up more Championship points than Luton Town (10), who won three of their five games (D1 L1). It is four more than Leeds picked up (6) during the month.

• Leeds go into this game 43 points ahead of Luton Town (81 points vs 38 points), their most ahead of an opponent before playing them since the final day of the 2018-19 season against Ipswich when, despite being 55 points ahead of the Tractor Boys, they lost 3-2.

• Since the start of last season, Leeds United have scored 25 Championship goals in the opening 10 minutes of games, 11 more than any other side. Three of their seven goals within March were scored in this timeframe.

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media ahead of their Championship trip to Luton Town on Saturday (12.30 BST).

Here are the key lines:

• Farke confirmed that Karl Darlow will replace Illan Meslier in goal for the trip to Kenilworth Road.

• On Darlow: "I have a reliable and proper option in Darlow. An experienced goalkeeper, proven at this level, top class character. I know he hasn't played many league games in the last few years, but he performs really well every day in training, loyal and in a good moment right now because he's played two solid performances for Wales. He's in a good rhythm so we got the feeling in this moment, heading into a nervy crunch time period, feeling the pressure, it's the right time to take this decision."

• Patrick Bamford and Max Wober are in training and are "in the mix" after long term injuries. Willy Gnonto is ready to start if available following his ankle injury. No further injuries.

• On belief the club will be promoted: "It's my honest feeling, I'm not nervous at all, I'm totally calm and cool that we'll play in the Premier League next season. I'm older and have experience of a few situations. I've been involved in promotion battles in my managerial career, won the title and promotion five times. You get a feeling if you have a team that will make it and I wouldn't speak about it if I wasn't 100% convinced.

• "Of course at this stage you can't guarantee you'll finish in the top two, the race is too tight. We have strong opponents with Sheffield United, Burnley, even Sunderland have an outside chance. I can't guarantee top two, but I still think we have a great chance to finish top two and if not then the play-offs."

• On coping with Luton's likely physical approach: "I can't prevent this and this will be exactly the fact. Everyone expected Luton to be in a better position this season. They have many players who played Premier League last season, they have Premier League physicality and right now a good run of form. Last five games, they're in position five in the form table. They know they need each and every point."

Listen to West Yorkshire Sport Daily, weeknights at 18:00, and subscribe to BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on BBC Sounds

Adonis Storr
Fan writer

Image source, Rex Features

Football returned to Elland Road last Saturday afternoon following the final international break of the season – a historically ominous time for Leeds United.

Some Leeds fans – burdened by memories of springs past – were warning of the 'Ides of March', even during the Whites' record-breaking February form.

By the end of that month, United were five points clear at the top of the Championship table, with third-placed Burnley seven points adrift. One month on and it is Sheffield United who lead the league, with the Clarets and Whites trailing two points behind.

United's Shakespearian March fixtures ended with Swansea at the weekend. It was a game that had all the makings of a tragedy for Leeds fans, a comedy for their rivals.

Illan Meslier has flattered to deceive during his time in Yorkshire. But despite threatening a redemption story by keeping out a penalty and making a couple of vital saves, he was back to being the pantomime villain by the end.

Unfortunately the Frenchman's undeniable potential is surpassed by his tendency to err. Spilling a simple catch from a corner and failing to save a speculative shot from a narrow angle, the Leeds goalkeeper fluffed his lines again when it mattered most.

Meslier is not solely responsible for Leeds' remarkable loss of form. The whole team seems to be lacking energy. But the goalkeeper's performances are affecting his team-mates. None more so than a clearly frustrated Joe Rodon.

In October I asked "can Leeds afford to keep waiting for him to improve?" In January I wrote "it feels like it is time to try someone else".

Daniel Farke has seven, maybe 10, games left to get Leeds promoted, but Meslier's mistakes have left him in an impossible position. To change goalkeeper, or not to change goalkeeper, that is now the question.

Find more from Adonis Storr at The Roaring Peacock, external

"In this podcast at least, we all kind of want Meslier to do well... but he is getting a bit indefensible."

The usual cast of Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Kaiser Chiefs' bassist Simon Rix discuss a disappointing draw with Swansea City, Farke's team selection and the negativity surrounding Illan Meslier.

Has the keeper made one too many mistakes to keep his place in goal?

You can listen to the full episode and more on the Don't Go To Bed Yet podcast.

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Alan Sheehan returns to Leeds United this weekend hoping his old club will enjoy "all the success" after Swansea City's visit to Elland Road.

Former left-back Sheehan played 24 games for Leeds, scoring twice, after joining the Yorkshire club – initially on loan and then permanently – from Leicester City in 2008.

He was part of a squad who lost to Doncaster Rovers in the League One play-off final in 2007-08, the same season in which Roberto Martinez's Swansea team won the division in style.

Sheehan has fond memories of playing for Leeds under Gary McAllister, but the arrival of Simon Grayson as manager saw the Irishman fall out of favour.

He had loan spells with Crewe Alexandra, Oldham Athletic and Swindon Town before making a permanent move to the County Ground in 2010.

Asked about his spell at Leeds, Sheehan joked: "I was there for half an hour.

"I had a good time there on loan under Gary McAllister. We lost in the play-off final in the year Swansea got promoted from League One.

"Then I signed permanently. I had some good times under Gary McAllister, then there was a change of manager and I ended up going out on loan.

Image source, Getty Images

"It's a massive football club with really, really passionate fans. I wish them all the success after Saturday."

Leeds head into the weekend on top of the Championship table despite something of a lean spell which has seen them win only one of their past four matches.

But Daniel Farke's team have lost only one home league game all season – to Burnley last September – and will start as firm favourites against a Swansea side aiming to avoid a third successive defeat.

"They're a top team for this league - to butter it up any other way would be silly," Sheehan said.

"It's probably the toughest game of the season. No matter what form they are in, we're expecting a difficult challenge.

"They've got quality all over the field, high-level players for this division. That's why they are where they are."

Leeds United will aim to keep their place at the top when they welcome Swansea City on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

The Whites currently lead the Championship on goal difference but may find themselves back in second should Sheffield United prevail against Coventry City on Friday evening.

Though this could be a tricky fixture for Leeds, having seen somewhat of a dip in form in their past four league games prior to the international break (W1 D2 L1) and the pressure of keeping the title in their hands mounting.

Meanwhile, the Swans will spy an opportunity to get some revenge for the reverse fixture in November, when Wilfried Gnonto scored a winner one minute after Florian Bianchini had equalised for the hosts on the 90th minute.

• Leeds United have won each of their last four league games against Swansea City, scoring 3+ goals in each of the three most recent.

• Swansea City have won just one of their last 17 away league games against Leeds United (D3 L13), with the exception coming with a 1-0 victory at Elland Road in August 2019.

• Leeds have won each of their last six league games against sides from Wales, scoring 3.8 goals on average per match during that time. This is already the club's longest winning run against Welsh opposition in league action.

• Swansea have lost six of their last eight away league games (W1 D1), failing to score in four separate matches during that time and never netting more than once in a game.

• Leeds pair Dan James and Junior Firpo have both provided nine assists in the Championship this season, with only Georginio Rutter (15 in 2023-24) and Pablo Hernandez (12 in 2018-19) managing more in a campaign for the Whites in the last 10 years.

Image source, Rex Features

Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu returned to training on Friday to provide a boost to the squad - but the side have big questions over the fitness of winger Willy Gnonto.

The Italy international returned back from national duty with an ankle issue on Sunday but is currently 50/50 for Saturday's game against Swansea City.

"We tried to involve him for the first time in a light session. It will be a late decision," Farke told BBC Radio Leeds.

"We know the less we use him, the more time he has for the healing and the less risk for reinjury.

"On the other hand, he was in good shape and you want to involve him, especially at this stage of the season as much as possible.

"We won't do anything stupid but I hope to have him at least available for the squad but the final test will be tomorrow."

While Gnonto may not be ready for the weekend, Leeds fans should expect to see Ampadu on the pitch after returning from a knee injury.

The Welshman has been side lined for the past five league games, having already previously missed 11 games earlier in the season with a knee problem.

"I spoke a lot about his value in the group," Farke added. "His value as a player is pretty beneficial so it's good to have him back in training.

"He's our captain, with him it's a bit special, so he will definitely be involved in the next game."

"By the end of next week, Leeds could be out of the top two and all of a sudden they are playing catch up - which sounds ridiculous," former Shrewsbury and Wycombe defender Joe Jacobson tells the 72+ podcast.

Jacobson joins Aaron Paul and former Reading midfielder Jobi McAnuff as they discuss crunch time in the Championship and how Leeds may not be as imperious as they once seemed.

The league leaders face Swansea on Saturday in a bid to keep ahead of Sheffield United and Burnley.

Victories for their rivals could see Leeds knocked out of the top two if the Whites' faltering form continues, having only won one of their past four league games (D2 L1).

"Leeds need to start this next little run of games with a really good win and a good performance because I just feel the nerves are beginning to creep in around Elland Road," McAnuff said.

"They will be the least confident going to the play-offs I believe, given their history.

"This is now not about who the best team is anymore. This is about who handles pressure, who handles those big moments and we've seen at Elland Road, when that tension starts cranking up - as much as it can be a great thing when it's going well - it can be a difficult thing to control when it isn't."

You can listen to the full episode and more on the Football Daily podcast.

Lewis Deighton
Fan writer

Image source, Rex Features

Post-international break is where it all went wrong for Leeds United this time last season, and some fans are fearing the same fate – understandably so.

There are several factors this season, however, that look kindlier than a year ago, going into the final eight games.

We are top and two points clear of third place rather than second and one point clear of third. Our goal difference (51) is higher than the 42 it was at this stage last year – and more than double Sheffield United's.

Due to a chaotic start, we spent much of last season chasing the top two – winning every single game bar one draw from 1 January up until the March international break.

The break seemingly killed our momentum, and we looked exhausted on the back of it – winning just two of the remaining eight games (D2, L4). This break comes on the back of one win in four (D2, L1) - so needless to say it's a lot more welcome.

Another key factor is that Sheffield United and Burnley must play each other, so one is guaranteed to drop points, if not both. Leicester and Ipswich had already played each other twice by this stage last season.

Another blow in last year's international break was Georginio Rutter's surgery on a hernia – after being pulled from France's under-21 squad. He returned to Leeds half the player he was some weeks prior, and it took a few games for him to rehabilitate.

Similarly, and to play devil's advocate, Willy Gnonto has just sustained an ankle injury playing for Italy Under-21s. It comes just days after a promising performance off the bench for Leeds in a 2-2 draw at QPR – sparking calls for him to start ahead of Brenden Aaronson. The extent of the injury is currently unknown.

Considering all the above, I'm still confident that Leeds will get over the line this time around – famous last words.

We may be in the grips of an international break but that still means there is plenty to talk about where Leeds United are concerned.

Willy Gnonto sustained an injury last week while on duty for Italy under-21s so who will replace him if he is not fit, plus with eight games remaining, just how many points will be needed to secure promotion?

There are just two of the questions being dealt with by Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope & Kaiser Chiefs' bassist Simon Rix on the latest edition of BBC Radio Leeds' podcast Don't Go To Bed Just Yet.

Episode 146: Crime against design is available to download now from BBC Sounds.

Image source, BBC Sport

Adonis Storr
Fan writer

I have previously written in this column of Leeds United's need to set Willy Gnonto free in the number 10 role but that could be something which is now not possible.

He was forced off with an ankle injury during an Italy Under-21 international against the Netherlands on Friday although the severity of the problem is not yet clear.

Leeds return to Championship action on Saturday against Swansea City and will be thankful it is a 15:00 GMT kick-off as lunchtime games have seen them, on average, pick up fewer points than those starting later in the day.

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

Several former Leeds United stars including Kalvin Phillips, Brian Deane, David Batty, Noel Whelan and Paul Madeley grew-up playing on the famous TV Harrison ground in Wortley in Leeds.

In 2022 campaigners trying to save the historic football pitch known as 'Wortley's Wembley' from having houses built upon in it managed to secure it as an "asset of community value".

This meant the local community had the first say in what should happen to it.

For Deane, the TV Harrison ground is an important part of the city's sporting heritage.

"It's got so many iconic memories for a lot of people," he previously told the BBC.

"This is where I had my first taste of playing teams outside of Leeds and it really meant something."

Whelan added: "Cup finals were played on here. A lot of good players who went on to play for Leeds started here. It's where we developed our skills. This could be a really good opportunity to develop the next superstar of Leeds United."

Three years on and there has been even better news. On Wednesday night local Labour MP for Leeds South West and Morley, Mark Sewards, announced that the future of the TV Harrison Sports Ground was assured thanks to the help of Leeds United.

On social media he posted: "Leeds United's initial proposal to take over and invest in Wortley's Wembley has been accepted".

The deal would see Leeds United take charge of the TV Harrison Football ground for the next 250 years for a price of £50,000.

The deal includes a covenant that means the ground can only ever be used for sport and never used for houses.

Over the next six weeks other parties can put their equivalent bid for the ground forward but Leeds United's deal would also see the club invest to make it a better playing facility.

United are expected to comment should all the details of their proposal be finalised at the end of that period.

Listen to West Yorkshire Sport Daily, weeknights at 18:00, and subscribe to BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on BBC Sounds