Leeds United face a real test of their promotion credentials with a trip to Championship side Sunderland.
While Leeds were considered by many to be pre-season favorites to return to the Premier League, it is Sunderland who are the frontrunners under Regis Le Bris.
Sunderland have won all four games at the Stadium of Light without scoring this season, but Leeds will undoubtedly prove their toughest test yet.
Le Bris spoke about Leeds’ promotion hopes in the pre-match press conference, but he really couldn’t have asked for a better time to take on the Whites.
Leeds have been rocked this week by the news that both Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev will face long spells on the sidelines due to injuries, having been part of Daniel Farke’s squad throughout 2024.
Adrian Clarke says Leeds hope they have been dealt a ‘seismic blow’
The 1-1 draw at Norwich City on Tuesday was the first time Leeds had played a league game without Ampadu in the starting line-up since he joined last July.
Gruev would be a more than capable replacement in that midfield role, but to lose him for an extended period just days later is bad luck.
Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell are now Leeds’ only viable options in the senior midfield, so the pressure is not only on them to stay fit, but also to perform consistently week in and week out over the next three months.
But speaking on the latest episode of ‘What The EFL Podcast’, pundit Adrian Clarke doesn’t believe the partnership is as strong as Ampadu and Gruev, and believes Leeds’ promotion hopes have been dealt a major blow.
He said: “It’s a massive blow to Leeds United and their chances of promotion. I think it’s massive and that misery could increase when people listen to this podcast because Ilia Gruev, his midfield partner, limped off at Norwich and they will investigate him.
“They are concerned about him and his availability going forward. That would see new signing Tanaka, who has actually done well at Norwich and looked good perhaps alongside Joe Rothwell, drop into a more orthodox central midfield position.
“I don’t think Tanaka and Rothwell are as strong at the start as Ampadu and Gruev, who are tried and trusted in the Championship. Ampadu in particular has a big impact with the ball, with his range of passes, but even off the ball he has a defensive spirit and reads the game very well .
“It’s a problem that’s been really solid. Teams have had 67 touches inside the Leeds box this season. So what do you think? Well, the second closest is Middlesbrough with 96. Sunderland I think have 116 and are one of the best to protect your box.”
Clarke predicts Sunderland v Leeds
After Clarke’s comments about Leeds’ promotion hopes fell through the cracks, he believes it will start tonight at the Stadium of Light.
With Sunderland in good form, Clarke says they could “nod all three points” against injury-hit Leeds thanks to the momentum they have gained.
He said: “Leeds are very good at keeping teams at arm’s length, but without two solid midfielders who can make a difference going forward. At the other end of the pitch, Largie Ramazani has looked pretty good in Solomon’s absence.
“It was a draw from him, very sharp at Norwich. You have Willy Gnont who has started the season on fire. Joseph up front is a good platform for them but not so many points.
“I agree with Sam, it’s a low-scoring game, but maybe the cards have fallen quite kindly for Sunderland. I wouldn’t be surprised if they give the nod to this, the home team.”
🚨REPORT :EFL pundit makes ‘seismic’ claim about Leeds United’s promotion hopes after what he’s heard this week
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