Leeds United

Lewis Deighton
Fan writer

Elland Road awaits Leicester City in a top-of-the-table contest on Friday, exactly two months on from Leeds' 4-0 win against Ipswich. Leeds were 13 points behind Leicester before that game, but now they are looking to go just six points behind with 12 matches remaining.

Following Saturday's trip to Plymouth - my neck is still sore from the pile-on after Georginio Rutter's goal - Leeds have won eight successive league games for the first time since 1931.

It is testament to Daniel Farke's record-breaking campaign, as he became the first Leeds United manager to go 18 straight home games unbeaten in their debut season, and the first to win more than four games at the start of a calendar year.

The narrative that Leeds have had it easy frustrates me. People forget that we were a complete mess in August. A haul of 69 points after 33 games would have us top in most other seasons, but this just happens to be the most competitive top four in Championship history.

It is funny - you go through a bad break-up and think it is impossible to love again, but then you do. Farke is writing himself into the Leeds United history books and, with players like Patrick Bamford and Daniel James thriving again, I hope it will be much to the compersion of a certain 68-year-old Argentine in Uruguay.

Southampton were a point behind us before their 25-game unbeaten run, but they ended it two points behind us with a game in hand against Hull. Having lost that game in hand on Tuesday, Leeds - for the first time this season - are now in the driver's seat for automatic promotion.

All eyes are on Friday night.

Lewis Deighton can be found at LUFC Lewis, external

Leeds United reduced the gap at the top of the Championship table to nine points with their 2-0 win against Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, and Daniel Farke's side will be hoping to further close in on leaders Leicester City when the top two teams face each other at Elland Road on Friday (20:00 GMT).

Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix has been previewing the "massive game" on BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast: "I think when we beat them before [earlier this season], they lost the game after that and lost a couple in a row, but that's all they have done. They are on an amazing run.

"Usually you would say a 'free hit' is about playing Manchester City, when we were in the Premier League or whatever, and seeing whatever happens. But I think it's going to be a little bit like that on Friday because they are way ahead. If they win, it's not like 'someone is going to catch us'.

"They are kind of gone. If we can catch them, then amazing. I think, just because of our amazing run of form, that we can afford to lose. It's completely in our hands at the moment, and you feel like Southampton and Ipswich won't win every game until the end of the season.

"Hopefully we can just go in to win and play our football. If we were still three points behind Southampton, or six points behind like we were at points, then it does become a stressed, must-win game. I just feel like we just need to go in and see what happens basically."

BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope added: "I don't think you're really going to change much coming into the game. Personnel-wise, there's not too many people you can change anyway. He's already ruled out [Patrick] Bamford and [Sam] Byram, so I don't see him changing it.

"That winning team, and hence winning formula, means that we should really stick with it, unless injuries say otherwise. The thing is, if they win the game and they pull Leicester in, it might make Leicester quiver a little bit.

"Daniel [Farke] was asked, after the last game, if Leicester are catchable and he said they will finish in the top two regardless, so he didn't rule it out. I bet you in his head he is still thinking that they can win this title."

Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

Substitute the Fox for the Vixen and the Championship has its very own version of the popular TV quiz show 'The Chase'.

Leicester City playing the role of the Beast as professional chaser trying to prevent Leeds United, Ipswich Town and Southampton from taking the lucrative first prize.

The title, let alone promotion, looks like Leicester's to lose, with Enzo Maresca's side sitting nine points clear with 13 games left. When asked the question, they have only slipped up on five occasions, notably to Leeds but remarkably twice to mid-table Middlesbrough after Saturday's 2-1 defeat at the King Power.

Ahead of that unexpected result, United had seen off Plymouth Argyle in a filthy early kick-off, after which Farke was asked whether the Foxes could still be caught. He said: "It depends a bit what happens this afternoon and perhaps next Friday. They are also crucial days. But you have to say Leicester are there with such a points tally at the moment that they will finish in the top two.

"If a different team can finish in the number one position it depends probably on the next couple of weeks."

The race for the title is definitely on but Farke is not obsessed by it and has said: "It's nice to have something in the cupboard or the club museum. It's also a nice feeling to lift the trophy, but the main topic is to be there with promotion."

When United's eight-match winning run began with a 3-0 win over Birmingham City, the Whites were 17 points and three places behind leaders Leicester. Now in second, they are looking to equal a 92-year-old club record of nine straight league wins when they host the Foxes on Friday and, in doing so, close the gap to six points.

Farke said the table would have to swing in these weeks. It has and that momentum is with his side, who are very much enjoying the chase. It is all set for an epic night in Leeds where Enzo, which translates as "home ruler", will be up against someone who knows exactly what that means when the Foxes try to be the first side to beat Farke in the bear pit of Elland Road.

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Leeds United host Leicester City in the Championship.

You have to go back to the 1931-32 season for the last time United won nine league games in a row - and they face the stiffest of challenges against the leaders at Elland Road on Friday (20:00 GMT kick-off).

Here are the key lines from the Whites boss:

• Striker Patrick Bamford has an outside chance of recovering from a hamstring problem. Goalkeeper Karl Darlow is fit again after a thumb injury and Jaidon Anthony is available after a personal issue. Sam Byram (muscle) is expected to return next week and Pascal Struijk (abductor) can increase his training load after having positive results of a re-scan.

• Asked how Leeds make the most of a potential momentum swing following defeats this week for Leicester and Southampton, Farke said: "We want to use our own momentum. We've delivered top consistency this year. Each game has the same value. I know this is a spotlight game but in 46, you always have the chance to win one or three points."

• Eight games ago the gulf between Leeds and the Foxes was 17 points and the Whites now have the chance to narrow that to six. But Farke said: "I was never concentrated on the points gap to Leicester. Even now, I'm not too bothered. They still have everything in their hands. What I like is our consistency and performance levels. Even if we win this game, [Leicester] will definitely finish in the top two."

• On whether he feels Leeds are the best team: "I think you are just allowed to speak about this topic after the season. The team who wins the title are definitely the best and the most consistent in the league. In this moment, you have to say credit to Leicester. So far, they are the most consistent side in this league - otherwise they wouldn't be in position one."

• Asked how much he enjoys it when the top two sides in a league go head to head, the German replied: "It's important not to be overmotivated for a game like this."

• On potentially challenging for a title again having done it twice with Norwich City: "It's nice to win silverware... I’ve had that feeling. But the result is the same if you finish second - promotion to the Premier League."

• He said finishing first gives you no advantage the following season, highlighting the case of Aston Villa, who were promoted via the play-offs and then spent what was required to stay in the top flight.

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds United secured another two Championship wins last week after facing Swansea and Plymouth away from home, scoring six goals and keeping two clean sheets.

Daniel Farke's side have now won eight league games in a row and Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix has been discussing the reasons behind their recent form on the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast: "Swansea was no jeopardy at all, right? We just went over there, scored some good goals and Swansea didn't. I think they had one little period where they were in it and that was kind of it.

"[Illan] Meslier had a couple of good things that he did but mainly stuff you would expect him to do. He made a really nice catch that I remember, which I wrote down because people have been criticising him for punching too much, but he came and really powerfully took something.

"I think the main takeaways are that more of the 'new' starting XI, like [Ilia] Gruev, are totally settled in now and he is now in the starting XI. [Willy] Gnonto is just adding more depth and getting more goals. I think, even when he had scored three goals in four games, I still thought [Daniel] James should come straight back in. Whereas now, after this week, I'm thinking it's starting to get a bit more difficult.

"[Joel] Piroe was good. In both games, it was interesting to see where he would play and what would happen with that because he was sort of off the boil, then he was out and when he played against Plymouth at Elland Road I didn't think he was very good at all, but he came in and I thought he was really good.

"I think we're just getting into that proper fifth gear and proving that we are the best side in the Championship. We've said a few times that we haven't been consistent enough, but now we're being mega consistent."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Adonis Storr
Fan writer

Alarm bells screeched hours before dawn across Leeds on Saturday morning. The consequence of a midday kick-off at Plymouth – a 600 mile round-trip.

But by the full-time whistle, it was the other promotion rivals whose alarm bells were ringing.

Supporters seem largely forgotten in pursuit of profits; and fans' ire at the broadcaster responsible for the kick-off time could not be misinterpreted.

Fan interests are part of the remit for the proposed independent football regulator and ticket costs and travel time must be a part of considerations when scheduling. It seems irresponsible to allow the national sport to slip beyond the means of "legacy fans".

But while the fans sang in the stands, the players performed on the pitch. February is the earliest any second-tier team has recorded 10 wins in the history of the football league. Daniel Farke's group are recording numbers not seen from a Leeds team since Don Revie's great side of the 1970s.

Southampton have recorded a club record 25-game unbeaten run. Leicester City and Ipswich Town had the best start to a Championship season of any team ever.

But this is a United side proving utterly relentless and the Leeds fans and players are sending a message that is loud and clear.

Adonis Storr can be found at The Roaring Peacock, external

The Rodon-Ampadu partnership was under the microscope on the latest episode of Don't Go To Bed Just Yet.

And it's not just defensive names getting the plaudits, with BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope praising Illan Meslier's form too.

• Listen to Don't Go To Bed Just Yet here

Patrick Bamford has revealed a team-mate he's been fond of in the past.

The Leeds striker picked a Manchester City playmaker as someone who delivered plenty of laughs.

Listen to more from Bamford on the My Mate's A Footballer podcast here

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

Leeds United are in search of an eighth straight league victory as they travel to Plymouth Argyle (Sat, KO: 12.30pm).

Manager Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media and here are the key points he made:

• Striker Patrick Bamford (calf) is out for 10-12 days and defender Sam Byram (hamstring) will also miss the next two games. Versatile midfielder Jamie Shackleton is back after becoming a father.

• On the difficulties of picking the team: "It's easy to name the game-day squad as it's a such a tight group and we have injuries. It unifies us even more because each and every player is needed. I don't have a starting line-up at the start of the season. I always react to what happens in games and on the training pitch."

• Farke says long-term injury victim Stuart Dallas (femur) "has all the time he needs" but that it's not possible to identify when he will return, adding: "He's been to different consultants. We try to support him and hope it works out in the end. We put no pressure on him."

• Defender Pascal Struijk (adductor) will have a re-scan next week before doctors decide if his training load can be extended. Goalkeeper Karl Darlow (thumb) is still out but is not too far from a return to team training.

• On Plymouth Argyle, who are 10 unbeaten at Home Park in the Championship, Farke said: "One of the toughest places to go. Unbeaten since October. The backing of the travelling support helps us be successful. When the odds are against us, this club and its supporters they are at their best. These are difficult trips and kick-off times but there are even more Leeds shirts - louder and prouder. This support is second to none. I think it's the biggest asset this club has. We have to value it."

• Asked how close Leeds are to a perfect performance, Farke said: "Sadly a perfect performance is never achievable but we try each and every day to come as close as possible. Some of our recent performances were close. There's always challenges and detalls we want to improve. The last 21 points won't help us in the Plymouth game. They will be motivated to take the first points off us this year."

• The boss urged fans to enjoy the journey the team is on, stating: "You have to enjoy the way. If the way looks like what we're doing at the moment - hard work, unity, spirit and successful football - we have to enjoy this. Like nights at Swansea we have to enjoy these moments."

• On being compared to Marcelo Bielsa's promotion-winning side: "Our supporters are allowed to speak about this but it doesn't help me to compare to last year or a few years ago when we had this great title run. At the moment it's not necessary as we've just played 32 games."

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke is in line to be offered an improved deal if he manages to get the Elland Road club promoted into the Premier League. (Football Insider), external

Want more news? Read Friday's full gossip column

Lewis Deighton
Fan writer

Following the 532-mile round trip to Swansea on Tuesday, Leeds fans will make a 642-mile round trip to Plymouth on Saturday morning. It sees us into the second half of six away games in six weeks, that are all at least a 400-mile round trip each.

Cardiff away in January is our only game of the six to have a 3pm kick-off. Swansea away is of course midweek, as well as the FA Cup 4th round replay at Plymouth, and fifth-round tie at Chelsea. Bristol City away was rescheduled to 8pm on a Friday night for Sky Sports, and they have also brought this Saturday’s game at Plymouth forward to 12:30 - meaning we will have to set off at 03:00.

Despite the 48 hours of travelling - that’s 3,123 miles - Leeds have still sold out five of the six away ends in under five minutes, with Chelsea tickets yet to be released.

Even with an elbow goal and a Panenka penalty, the 3-0 win against 24th placed Rotherham last Saturday was somewhat eclipsed when we got wind of Southampton losing to Huddersfield Town. It was the same again on Tuesday night, Leeds were 3-0 up in Swansea and yet we’d become preoccupied with a game 80 miles away, as Southampton trailed once again – this time at Bristol City.

Perhaps some atmospheres have suffered this season not due to post-relegation blues or a lack of jeopardy, but because until now, we’ve had no real grip on the automatic promotion spots. A 4-0 win at Swansea, accompanied by Southampton’s 3-1 loss at Bristol City, was a recipe for sheer jubilation as Leeds - at last - went second in the Championship on Tuesday night.

That being said, I’ll sign off with this. Are we allowed to get excited yet?

Lewis Deighton can be found at LUFC Lewis, external

On the latest episode of the My Mate's A Footballer podcast, Patrick Bamford tells Joe Wilkinson about the landmark moments in his career.

He talks through the various youth teams he played in, which players he grew up with, his England call up and what some of their stars are really like.

After being distracted in the original episode, Joe and Pat reconvene to discuss more important moments in landmarks part two.

Listen to My Mate's A Footballer on BBC Sounds

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

The 4-0 evisceration of Swansea City made it a "magnificent seven" consecutive Championship wins for Leeds United.

Like the famous western, the story could all be about United's gunslinging front line, who between them have scored all 17 goals in that sequence.

Centre-back Joe Rodon, who has played in each game, has seen the work of his team-mates literally unfold before him.

"I thought the boys were very strong especially in our press, and as you saw our counter attack this season has been very deadly," he said after the win at Swansea.

But the swash and buckle at the front end would not be possible without the battling base unit. Rodon is at its core alongside Wales team-mate Ethan Ampadu. They have played in each of those league victories and six of them as a defensive pairing. In fact, as a central duo in all competitions, they have dovetailed across seven matches, kept six clean sheets and conceded just a single goal., external

As Patrick Bamford controversially showed recently, you might need an elbow to win a game but you need to take one too as Rodon revealed after suffering a heavy blow early on against his former club: "It's part of the game. I'm just delighted to come away with a clean sheet."

Rock solid and rugged Rodon may be, but there is also an elegance and durability which are too good for this level and may have the Spurs loanee heading back up to the next division.

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds forward Patrick Bamford says he's "enjoying playing football again" after a positive start to 2024.

The 30 year-old made his first start of the season on New Years Day, and has scored four goals and grabbed one assist in his six games in 2024.

"I'm feeling good," Bamford told the club's website. "I'm happy and I'm just enjoying playing football again. That was a big thing for me.

"Now it's just about getting back into it and getting a run of games under by belt. I always said, that I believed I would score when I played."

On the Leeds' fans, Bamford said: “Honestly, they’ve been fantastic. They’ve been brilliant home and away, and that’s been important for us, as we’re going to need them for the games that we’ve got coming up during the remainder of the season.

“I just want to carry on playing, playing well and doing everything I can for the side. Then obviously we all know what the team’s aim is, so it’s just about how I can help us get there.”

Adonis Storr
Fan writer

He was brought in to replace Raphinha - now it is a relief Luis Sinisterra has been sold.

The Colombian was bought in the summer of 2022 - a pivotal moment. Leeds had hung onto the Premier League by their fingernails. Not the time to sell your two best players, but that's what they did.

"I think we're better, we have lost two champions... but we got six good players," then-owner Andrea Radrizzani said in August 2022. "I might be wrong, but this is my conviction and I think the pitch will show it."

The pitch did show it. Radrizzani was wrong and Leeds were relegated.

The "champions" Leeds sold were Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha. The "six good players" were Tyler Adams, Brenden Aaronson, Marc Roca, Rasmus Kristensen, Sinisterra and Darko Gyabi.

When Leeds needed to build a team around their best players, or replace them with quality, Sinisterra was part of an intake whose talent did not match their egos. Selling him for £20m is a fantastic deal.

The Sinisterra money will help keep Leeds financially healthy should they not get promoted this season.

Adonis Storr can be found at The Roaring Peacock, external

On the latest episode of BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix discuss the Whites' 3-0 home win against Rotherham, which could and should have been more emphatic.

Pope: "Honestly, it could have been double figures. 3-0, job done.

"It was comfortable because they didn't offer much. Even after the changes with half an hour to go when Leeds lost that little bit of that rhythm - it was the right thing to do - Rotherham had their best spell of possession if you could call it that but it was all under control.

"A load of wasted chances again but overall you have to say the performance was really good. The chance creation was magnificent but these were glorious chances that were missed.

"Summerville over the bar, Rutter over the bar, Gnonto wide - there's three for you. And then there was just some where we were in great positions and just didn't find the killer ball or the finish was weak.

"Overall, the scoreline is reflective of the dominance - it just should have been a lot more."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds