Leeds United face the first of five remaining cup finals in their push for automatic promotion against Sunderland tonight.
Daniel Farke’s side missed the chance to go above Ipswich Town on Saturday after their first defeat of 2024 at Coventry City, a result which had been coming since the international break.
However, Leeds cannot allow that defeat to extend into anything more than a minor blip, as a win would put the pressure back on Ipswich ahead of their match with Watford tomorrow.
Sunderland can actually become the first side to complete a league double over Leeds this evening, after winning 1-0 in the return fixture back in December through Jobe Bellingham’s goal.
That said, Sunderland are one of just a handful of sides with nothing to play for in the final five matches, and so Leeds will need to take advantage given their need for three points.
Leeds could do something vs Sunderland tonight which they haven’t done for over 50 years
Leeds are now simply in must-win territory in all of their matches for the rest of the season, and David Prutton is tipping the Whites to get back on track.
Sunderland have been in really poor form recently with just one win in 10 matches, but will be buoyed by the return of Jack Clarke to the starting XI on Saturday. Leo Hjelde will also be returning to Elland Road for the first time after leaving in January.
However, even with Clarke back in the side, Leeds should have too much for the away side, with Sunderland interim boss Mike Dodds having hailed the strength of Farke’s squad yesterday.
Leeds remain unbeaten at home in the Championship this season, and as per BBC Sport, a win would see them achieve something they have not done since August 1969.
The Whites have won nine consecutive home league matches since a 1-1 draw with Coventry City in December. Another tonight would mean they record 10 successive home wins in the top two tiers of English football for the first time in almost 55 years.
Predicted Leeds XI to face Sunderland tonight
Ethan Ampadu was the only fresh fitness doubt from Saturday ahead of tonight, but has seemingly confirmed his involvement tonight via his Instagram.
Given it is only illness he has been suffering with, that should mean he is fit enough to start, which is crucial to Leeds’ chances of winning.
Elsewhere, despite calls from BBC pundit Jon Newsome for changes, it is unlikely Farke will alter too much even after defeat on Saturday.
Sam Byram should come into the side to deal with the threat of Clarke on the left, though the rest looks as if it will stay the same, even with the growing clamour for Mateo Joseph to be handed a full league debut.