Leeds United

Along with Sunderland, Burnley are the only Championship side with an unbeaten home record as they prepare to host table-topping Leeds United (20:00 GMT).

The Clarets also boast the best home defensive record with only four goals conceded in their 13 games at Turf Moor.

The visitors are the top scorers in the Championship with 53 goals from their 28 matches. Daniel Farke's side have only failed to score in four league games this season.

• Burnley have won just one of their past five league games against Leeds United (D1 L3), although that sole victory did come during the reverse fixture in September (1-0).

• Leeds United are unbeaten across their past two away league games against Burnley (W1 D1), last enjoying a longer undefeated run at Turf Moor between September 1975 and October 2005 (four games).

• Burnley are unbeaten across their past 13 home league games (W6 D7), conceding just four goals in total across that time. The Clarets last enjoyed a longer undefeated run at Turf Moor between August 2022 and April 2023 (21 games).

• Leeds have lost just two of their past 13 away league games (W5 D6), though have scored just 1.4 goals on average per match during that time.

• Leeds' Joel Piroe has been involved in four goals in his past three away league games (three goals, one assist), more than he had in his previous 17 on the road (three goals).

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media ahead of their trip to Burnley on Monday night (20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines:

• No additional injuries have been picked up from the Norwich game, with the same squad available for the trip to Turf Moor.

• Vice captain Pascal Struijk's scan was "very good" and he is expected to be back in team training in a few days

• On the quality of the pitch at Elland Road, Farke said: "A good, tidy surface is always beneficial for us because quite often we are dominant, we have many, many passes and have to open deep-sitting opponents. It suits us more when the pitch is really top. We had no chance to have a better surface due to the circumstances but I hope for the next home game, it's already in a better condition."

• On Burnley: "This will be a complicated task, one of the toughest tasks that you can face - away game at Turf Moor against an in-form Burnley side. For that, we have to be at our best to give ourselves a chance. But we also know we are in good shape and we will travel in confidence. We all look forward to a good game."

• Farke confirms they would be interested in bringing in a number 10 to add to his squad depth but only if they find a player who has the "proper quality", fits with the group and is affordable.

Oxford United won't cash in on 21-year-old Tyler Goodrham during the transfer window despite interest from the likes of Leeds and Sunderland. (Oxford Mail, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column.

Image source, Rex Features

There was only 31 seconds on the clock when Manor Solomon converted Dan James's first-time cross to give Leeds United the lead against Norwich City and help push them back to the top of the table.

The Whites went on to win the game 2-0, with James scoring the second goal.

When asked about his stunning opening goal, the former Tottenham Hotspur player gave a lot of credit to the team synergy created on the training ground.

"When DJ [Dan James] plays, I know that I need to be switched on," Solomon told BBC Radio Leeds.

"When the ball is on the other flank, I know that I need to be inside because DJ is really fast.

"It was a great delivery and we opened the game really well."

Solomon was an injury doubt for the match, having picked up a hamstring issue in the win over Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday, but the 25-year-old said he is feeling "confident".

"I'm feeling really good, I'm feeling like I'm back to myself," Solomon added.

"I think I can get even better and I just want to continue like this."

You can listen to the full post-match interview on BBC Sounds.

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke spoke BBC Radio Leeds after their 2-0 win over Norwich.

"We were solid and dominant in our defending - we didn't give away an opportunity for the opponent," he said.

"We scored an early goal and sometimes you think 'it's a nice easy evening, once we are in the lead we normally win the game' and then you do, perhaps, one step less, one or two per cent less concentrated, so I don't think we were good in the detail today.

"We were dominant but could have dominated the game much more and could have created much more.

"The pitch was not great today and the last game was just two-and-a-half days ago, so many explanations but I think it was not our best performance.

"But at this time of the season in January after many games, it's how you should win such a game. Pretty mature, pretty good."

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

Image source, Rex Features

A 12th home league win over Norwich City tonight will send Daniel Farke's side back to the top of the Championship whilst extending the club's unbeaten run to 11 matches.

Yet for some Leeds United supporters, it feels like it will not be enough, or that he will never be enough.

It is difficult to fathom at times how a manager who has engineered a team which has scored 51 goals and has a goal difference (+32) superior by 10 to any of its rivals, is not universally accepted by the fanbase.

It is very much not the case in the eyes of tonight's opponents.

"He's absolutely adored by Norwich fans, even now," Adam Harvey of the PinkUn podcast told BBC Radio Leeds.

"We've had plenty of successful managers, even throughout my lifetime, but none of them are viewed quite the same way as Daniel Farke is.

"The connection, the way with words, I think you saw that when he returned to Carrow Road in October with Leeds.

"The reception showed the fans still love him even to this day. In that sense he's almost like a (Marcelo) Bielsa figure is for Leeds fans in that can't do anything wrong."

Not being Bielsa appears to be the biggest crime any Leeds manager or head coach can commit it seems.

There is no doubt the Argentine performed something of a footballing miracle by coaching players to levels they believed were beyond them.

Even the brilliant Pablo Hernandez said, despite all his years in the game, he learned something new each day.

"Marcelo was the man that changed it all," he said.

"The plan was not clear until he came in, but he arrived and made us all aware again of how we should play football, and to believe we were always better than the opposition."

Nobody can argue that Farke, too, doesn't have a clear plan of how he wants to play.

A precise formula for success it may be, rather than a swashbuckling riot which had fans holding their breath until the death. But context is important.

Farke inherited a club and a squad which had spiralled out of the top flight and losing had become endemic.

He turned it all around and went as close as Bielsa did by making the play-offs in his first year.

This time around he is primed to succeed like he did twice at Norwich.

If he does, the question will be whether he is given a fair crack in the Premier League, unlike his time at Carrow Road.

"He had to part from the football club in difficult circumstances," explains Harvey.

"They were difficult spells in the Premier League when Norwich went up but they never really stood a fighting chance.

"Some of that was down to the financial power available to him. Norwich had very limited funds at that point.

"Now they've had a shift in ownership so maybe the wealth is there a little bit more than was there before. But certainly under Delia (Smith) and Michael's (Wynn-Jones) leadership, it was never really able to push the boat out for individuals.

"As is proven now with the Premier League, the three promoted teams are the three in the relegation zone so it's a really tough place to go and be competitive. With a lack of resources that was always a bit of a challenge with Norwich.

"But I suppose with Leeds, with a little bit more financial backing, I'd be intrigued to see how he gets on.

"He's got all the experience now of the Premier League, he's done it for a couple of seasons. So can he use that to navigate a route to success with Leeds?"

Farke has to gain promotion first of course and whether or not his football is everyone's "tea, coffee and cake", many will say he deserves to have a decent choice from the dessert trolley at football's top table.

To quote Shakespeare's Andrew in Twelfth Night, "I was adored once too".

A 12th home victory for Farke should earn him more adulation if not adoration.

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

Leeds United are interested in Burnley attacking midfielder Mike Tresor, who has also been linked with a move to Dutch side Ajax. (Sports Witness, external)

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Wednesday's gossip here.

'I really enjoyed the pantomime - I was booing with everybody else.'

The Don't Go To Bed Just Yet team of Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix reflect on what made Sunday's game between Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday at Elland Road so entertaining despite the 3-0 scoreline for the home side.

You can listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds.

Leeds United will attempt to stay on top of the Championship as they host Norwich City on Wednesday (19:45 GMT).

Both sides faced clubs from Sheffield last time out, however, the league leaders fared the better, defeating Wednesday while the Canaries lost to promotion contenders United.

The win for Leeds extended their unbeaten streak to 10 games across all competitions, while they have not lost at Elland Road since September.

• Leeds are unbeaten across their past five league games against Norwich (W4 D1); the Whites last enjoyed a longer undefeated run against them between September 1963 and August 1975 (seven games).

• Norwich have won two of their past 11 away league games against Leeds (W2 D3 L6) and will look to avoid losing three in succession at Elland Road for the first time since December 1973.

• Leeds have not lost any of their midweek league games at home since returning to the Championship in the 2023-24 season (W7 D2), though they did draw their last such game 1-1 with Blackburn Rovers on New Year's Day.

• Norwich are unbeaten in their past four midweek league games, winning three of them (W3 D1).

• Dan James has provided four assists in his last six games against Norwich, including one in both previous matches for Leeds at Elland Road.

Adonis Storr
Fan writer

Image source, Rex Features

There are surely few signings in Leeds United's history that have been as instantly successful and as instantly loved by the fanbase as Ao Tanaka.

Signed on last summer's transfer deadline day, Tanaka seemed to have been third choice after bids for FC Koln's Dejan Ljubicic and Sheffield United's Gustavo Hamer were knocked back, but Daniel Farke has coveted him since he first saw him in Germany's second division.

His introduction against Cardiff City at the end of September was only his third substitute appearances for Leeds, and he had never come on earlier than the 86th minute.

Since then, no other footballer in the top four divisions of English football has completed over 1,000 passes and more than 50 tackles.

The love from Ao was just as instant.

Interviewed for Leeds United's programme for the Sheffield Wednesday game last Sunday, Tanaka spoke of his first impressions at the Peacock's training ground: "I remember thinking: 'If I play with these team-mates I can improve my quality and I will be able to enjoy playing football with these team-mates.'"

Against Sheffield Wednesday, it was another man-of-the-match performance - the type of display he has been putting in regularly since breaking into the starting line-up, he could arguably be man of the match in most of the games he has played for United.

In addition to passes and tackles, Tanaka is now adding goals to his performances – something that was missing last season when the Whites scored zero goals from central midfield.

The £2.9m for Tanaka is one of the best bargains in Leeds history and shows that there is value available in the market should they look to strengthen in January.

Find more from Adonis Storr at The Roaring Peacock, external

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Top of the table Leeds United can secure a 12th home Championship win of the season when they face Norwich City on Wednesday (19:45 GMT).

Manager Daniel Farke addressed the media on Monday and here are the key lines from his press conference:

• In terms of team news, a late call will be made on midfielder Brenden Aaronson (ankle) but Farke is "carefully optimistic". Forward Manor Solomon is a doubt because of a hamstring problem and is rated 50-50.

• Farke was asked about what specific areas he's worked on with Willy Gnonto who, at 21 has made 100 appearances for the club. He said: "He takes on more responsibility and is much more professional, more mobile on the pitch and not too static like a winger just waiting to get the ball. He is much more lively and adventurous. Only thing lacking a little bit at the minute is end product, something he can add."

• On former club Norwich City and any vulnerabilities that may exist because of injuries, suspensions and inconsistent form, Farke said: "They'll be highly motivated, especially in an away game when not under that much pressure. I'd compare them a bit like Sheffield Wednesday who go for it and play with intensity and want to press high. I think they'll be desperate to look for late push into the play-offs."

• Farke outlined his relationship with Alex Davies (head of scouting) and Adam Underwood (head of football operations) is "perfect" and highlighted how they have "white blood in their veins having served with the club in other roles for a number of years.

• On the prospect of young defender James Debayo going out on loan, Farke said: "With Pascal Struijk out at the moment and the availability of Max Wober, I'm a bit careful in doing this. It would be beneficial for James perhaps but also in terms of quality numbers, the group is not getting too small. It's a possibility but at the moment I would say a small possibility."

• Meanwhile, Farke would not confirm if striker Sonny Perkins will make his loan deal into a permanent signing at Leyton Orient. "I prefer to focus on the players who are here."

• Regarding Junior Firpo's contract talks, he said: "There are too many matches for that at the moment and also wanted him to concentrate on his rehab then finding his rhythm back. January is not the time to speak about this. Recruitment is pretty busy but there will be more relaxed times during the season to speak about it."

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

Leeds United returned to the top of the Championship with a 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday.

Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix reflect on that win, the return of goalkeeper Illan Meslier and how can boss Daniel Farke get Largie Ramazani into the starting line-up?

Episode 137 of Don't Go To Bed Just Yet is out now and you can find it on the BBC Sounds app, or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds.

Image source, Rex Features

Leeds United do not need to worry about studying the Championship table, says defender Joe Rodon.

Sunday's 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday sent Daniel Farke's side back to the summit, above Sheffield United, with just three points separating the top three.

"We know where we are and the position so we don't need to look at that too much - the most important thing is the next game," Rodon told BBC Radio Leeds.

"Wednesday's game is the focus and that's all we look at - we worry about ourselves."

The victory at Elland Road extended Leeds' unbeaten league run to nine games as they prepare to host Norwich City on Wednesday before a trip to promotion rivals Burnley next Monday.

"We want to keep putting in performances for our fans at home and build that momentum," added Rodon.

Ian Woodcock
BBC Sport England at Elland Road

Image source, Rex Features

Crisis, what crisis?

Leeds boss Daniel Farke had given his full backing to goalkeeper Illan Meslier after he came under criticism for his mistakes in the 3-3 draw at Hull City in the Championship a fortnight ago.

The German stuck with his number one, as he said he would, and was rewarded with a largely solid display from his keeper.

Leeds were fairly unspectacular for much of Sunday's win but they did what they needed to do and are now unbeaten in their past 18 Yorkshire derbies.

They kept the Owls at arm's length for much of this game, with Farke praising their "perfect defensive behaviour" and Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon at centre-back ensured Meslier had little to do.

Largie Ramazani made a great impact from the bench with a well-taken goal and an assist for Ao Tanaka's lovely flicked finish in added-on time. The Japan international once again looked a cut above.

The Whites are now three points clear of third-placed Burnley and will look to drive home that advantage when they welcome mid-table Norwich on Wednesday, before a trip across the Pennines to face the Clarets next Monday.

Leeds United, Sunderland, Coventry City and Swansea City are all tracking Oxford United midfielder Tyler Goodrham. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Sunday's full gossip column.

Image source, PA Media

Leeds boss Daniel Farke was delighted with his side's efforts both in and out of possession after they went top of the Championship with a 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.

The Whites had conceded three goals in their 3-3 draw at Hull City in their last league game.

"I'm pretty happy with the game today. They're a brave side who play with intensity," he told BBC Radio Leeds.

"It's a well-deserved win because we returned to our best defensive play.

"When you score your second goal late then it's always a close game and we had to be turned on.

"Overall, it was a convincing win and a return back to perfect defensive behaviour. It was a mature performance.

"It's our 15th clean sheet this season and I expect us to defend well."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

Lewis Deighton
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Illan Meslier can't seem to catch a break this season, or much else for that matter.

Goalkeeping blunders against Portsmouth, Sunderland, Preston North End and now Hull City have arguably cost Leeds United eight points so far.

Meslier's 81st-minute mistake at Hull sparked an outburst from defender Joe Rodon – Leeds led 3-1 in the 80th minute and went on to draw 3-3.

A user on X replied: "I don't think I've ever seen players crowd their own keeper like this before" to the clip which has now been viewed over eight million times.

Perhaps Rodon and some other team-mates are fed up with Meslier letting them down. There are only so many times that they can turn a blind eye.

They consoled him after his howler at Sunderland back in October. Leeds led 2-1 in the 97th minute, only to draw 2-2 – as what should have been an easy claim for the Frenchman somehow slipped through his hands.

For me, Meslier isn't reliable enough and hasn't been for the most part of two years now.

Once a promising young goalkeeper we called 'Iceman', pivotal in our first Premier League season under Marcelo Bielsa – now a hindrance.

It has reached a point where even the simplest save is sarcastically cheered around me now.

Meslier is ranked the third worst goalkeeper in Europe for conceding more goals than expected since his debut – a PSxG of -35.0.

He has also prevented the least number of goals among goalkeepers in the Championship top four, despite Leeds being top.

It suggests not only a lack of confidence in him across the board, but a lack of confidence in himself, and if that is the case then is Daniel Farke's decision to keep him between the sticks a wise one?

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

Image source, Rex Features

Boss Daniel Farke has held his pre-match press conference looking ahead to Leeds' return to Championship action against Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday (12:00 GMT) at Elland Road.

Here are the main headlines:

• Defender Pascal Struijk will be out for a minimum of three weeks with a hamstring injury. Depending on the severity of the problem Farke says he could be out for several months.

• Top scorer Joel Piroe is back in full training after a muscle problem and is available to face the Owls. Patrick Bamford (hamstring) is still recovering. Farke says there is no panic to make a move in the transfer window but the way he talked about the injury to Struijk suggests that they may be keen to bring in another defender if the opportunity arose. "If we would be in panic mode, the prices of our targets go up, but we are not in panic mode," he said.

• On Joe Gelhardt and Charlie Crew loans, Farke said: "With Charlie we had the decision after Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu came back. It makes sense right now that he gets some minutes and grow in his personality. [Joe] has been struggling for game time for months. His behaviour was always professional but due to our offensive options it was quite often the case he's not even in the squad. A player at his age, it's important to create value for us and find his rhythm back to improve as a player."

• On interest in his players: "Except for Joffy (Gelhardt) no one has been in my office in order to ask to leave. We didn't have to reject any offer."

• On Sheffield Wednesday's improvement since Leeds beat them at Hillsborough: "They were involved in the relegation battle last season. Danny Rohl has done a fantastic job to keep them up, in good position in mid-table, [with a] chance to push for top six. They're an in-form team, always plays with intensity and spirit on the pitch, a group on the pitch with togetherness. Good balance with experienced Championship players and good young players. They play with bravery and we have to be on it to cement and stabilise our position."

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

Leeds United are looking into a possible loan deal for Sevilla striker Kelechi Iheanacho amid rumours of an exit for Patrick Bamford. (The 72, external)

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Friday's gossip here.