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Saturday 18th October 3:00pm | Turf Moor
Leeds United make the short trip up the M65 this weekend for a meeting with Burnley, a side sitting three places and four points below them in the Premier League table. Though their position might suggest early struggles, Scott Parker?s team have endured one of the toughest opening schedules in the division, having already faced Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Spurs. Their points tally includes a hard-earned draw against Nottingham Forest and a morale-boosting victory over Sunderland, evidence that this squad has resilience as well as quality.
Defensively, however, Burnley?s issues have been laid bare. They have conceded 15 goals in their first seven league outings?second only to West Ham and almost matching the total number of goals they allowed across 46 Championship games last season. It?s a sobering statistic and a reminder of the harsh step up in class, with only Liverpool?s 1894?95 side conceding their previous season?s total within as few as eight matches in English league history.
Tactically, Parker has alternated between his preferred 4-2-3-1 setup and, more recently, a 5-4-1 that becomes a back three in possession. Burnley currently average just 36% possession?the lowest in the league?and rank in the bottom two for ball progression. That difficulty moving the ball up the pitch has often left them reliant on a compact low block, and the data underlines their struggle to create: they rank lowest for total shots, second-lowest for shots on target, and concede more shots than any other side in the division.
When they do have the ball, though, Burnley are adaptable. They?re not tied to a single approach, mixing short combinations with more direct switches of play to get their wing-backs or wingers isolated 1v1. It?s an approach that, on the right day, has kept them competitive?even in narrow defeats to Liverpool and Manchester United, the latter only breaking through via a penalty and an own goal. At Turf Moor, they?ve also shown more resilience, picking up a win and a draw from their three home matches so far.
Among their key performers, former Leeds loanee Jaidon Anthony has been a bright spot. With four goals and one assist, he?s proving a real outlet down the flanks, ranking highly for dribbles, chances created, and even defensive contributions?one of the most effective wide men in the league so far. In midfield, Portuguese loanee Florentino Lu?s has added bite and control. While he?s yet to fully hit the heights expected, his defensive numbers stand out: top 10% in the league for duels won, tackles, interceptions, and blocked shots, alongside strong passing accuracy and ball retention.
For Leeds, Daniel Farke?s men arrive with cautious optimism after a steady if inconsistent run of form. A spirited but ultimately losing effort against Tottenham left them 15th with just one win in six, though they remain four points clear of the relegation zone. Farke has kept faith with Karl Darlow in goal, leaving the fit-again Lucas Perri on the bench. Darlow?s club form has been solid despite a less convincing international break with Wales.
Injuries continue to shape Leeds? selection picture. Daniel James offers a timely boost, returning to training ahead of schedule after impressing the medical team with his recovery. Wilfried Gnonto is sidelined following hernia surgery, while Noah Okafor?s groin problem looks set to keep him out for a few more weeks. Burnley, meanwhile, remain without Jordan Beyer, Zeki Amdouni, and Conor Roberts, while Lyle Foster faces a late fitness check after returning early from international duty.
Given Burnley?s struggles but home competitiveness, this feels like one of those fixtures that may not be a must win but could look a missed opportunity come season?s end if Leeds fail to capitalise. Farke?s tactical call will be intriguing: will he set up to contain, as he often does away from home, or see this as a chance to be more adventurous against a side in similar form?
MOT.
Credit: motforum.com
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