Leeds United vs Bristol City: Five key battles and score prediction
Leeds United will officially be a Premier League club next season but their job is not quite complete in terms of securing the Championship title.
Many of the Leeds squad are itching to lift the title with full-back Jayden Bogle in particular stating “The aim at the start of the season was silverware”.
Bristol City will be looking to spoil any possible title aspirations by boosting their own play-off chances with an opportunity to seal their place on Monday, April 28.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Samuel Leasley considers five key battles for this Elland Road clash and offers a score prediction.
Daniel Farke vs Liam Manning
Despite some incredibly stupid internet rumours claiming Leeds already want to get rid of the German manager, Daniel Farke has led the Whites to an incredible 94 points.
The mentality of his squad has been showcased in recent weeks to grind out three consecutive one-goal wins before demolishing Stoke 6-0.
But it is clear that they want to go one step further by securing the title and possibly ending the season on 100 points.
In the Whites' previous fixture at Ashton Gate, they saw out a dull 0-0 draw with very few chances and they will no doubt be looking to put the visitors to the sword.
Following a strong run of form that saw them into the play-off places, the Robins saw a surprise defeat at the hands of relegation-threatened Luton.
Liam Manning’s side sees themselves fifth in the table, a single point ahead of Frank Lampard’s Coventry and four points ahead of Middlesbrough.
Playing last out of their play-off rivals, City will know exactly the results that will guarantee them a spot but no doubt they will want to avoid Sheffield United in the semi-finals.
Despite their strong run of form, the Robins have not kept a clean sheet since March 4 and will need to be on top form to stop the league’s top scorer.
Jayden Bogle vs Ross McCrorie
A player who has rediscovered his top form when it matters most is right-back Jayden Bogle who has three contributions in his last three games.
He was a constant threat to Stoke on Monday with his high pressing ability and assisted the second of Joel Piroe’s four goals.
This is not to say Bogle has been poor defensively either as he is top of the Leeds charts for tackles won with 61 alongside making 37 interceptions.
There is never a dull moment for the referee when Bogle is involved either as he has given away 52 fouls whilst winning 56 himself in 42 starts.
Ross McCrorie has seen his contributions prove massive for Bristol City in their play-off fight with a handful of decisive moments in recent weeks.
Goals against both Sunderland and Watford helped see out narrow 2-1 wins and push them to four unbeaten games.
Following a poor showing against Luton, the wing-back will be looking to bounce back by containing the Leeds right-hand side and preventing any drop in the league.
McCrorie has chipped in with strong defensive stats in his limited appearances this season having won 31 tackles and 17 interceptions in 16 starts.
READ MORE: Championship betting tips: Oxford to confirm safety and Sheffield United to bounce back at Stoke
Joel Piroe vs Rob Dickie
Dutchman Joel Piroe ended his goal-scoring drought with aplomb on Monday, April 21.
Having not found the net since victory over Sheffield United in late February, Piroe scored four in just 35 first-half minutes to take the plaudits and see himself return to the top of the Championship scoring charts.
Piroe sits two goals ahead of Borja Sainz in the race for the Golden Boot and has said “One of my targets personally is to get to 20 goals.”
There is arguably no man with bigger confidence going into this fixture than Piroe and Bristol City will need to prevent any ball finding the Dutchman within the penalty area.
Another defender who has made crucial contributions in recent weeks for the Robins is central defender Rob Dickie.
Dickie fired home the equaliser in the crucial home win over possible play-off opponents Sunderland and helped the Robins see out the three points.
The defender has made 31 interceptions and 24 successful tackles for the Robins this season.
Dickie has also been commanding in the air as he has won 70% of his aerial duels totalling 165 headers won in his 34 appearances.
Joe Rodon vs Nahki Wells
An integral figure in Leeds’ defensive success this season and in their subsequent promotion is central defender Joe Rodon.
The Welshman has been ever present for the Whites this season and has made vital action in recent weeks as the Whites have seen out narrow victories.
Rodon has made 25 tackles and 26 interceptions this season, helping Leeds to the second-best defensive record in the league.
Leeds have accumulated 24 clean sheets this season and Rodon’s influence has been a huge part of this success.
A player who has proven to be a historical issue for Leeds United is striker Nahki Wells.
The Bermudan striker is the Robins’ second-highest goal scorer with 10 goals this season alongside providing three assists.
Wells has provided contributions in recent narrow wins over Norwich, Watford and West Brom and will be looking to provide further goals to aid the play-off push.
Wells has additionally been strong when pressing from the front with the Bermudan accumulating 18 tackles won from his advanced role.
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Ao Tanaka vs Anis Mehmeti
A man who has proven to be the bargain signing of the season for Leeds United is defensive midfield maestro Ao Tanaka.
For just £3 million, Tanaka has been an integral part of the Leeds midfield and will no doubt see extensive Premier League football next season.
The Japanese international has made the most interceptions of any Leeds player with 53 alongside making 52 successful tackles.
Similar to Bogle, referees are in consistent conversation with Tanaka as he has won 46 fouls whilst committing 44 himself in his 35 starts.
The current man at the top of the Bristol City goal-scoring charts is Anis Mehmeti who has scored 12 goals this season.
However, he has only scored one goal in his last 10 appearances and will be looking to break this drought at Elland Road.
The Albanian has only provided a single assist but this can be viewed as unlucky as he has created 39 chances this season and accumulated 4.8 expected assists.
Should the Robins choose to press Leeds high, Mehmeti will be able to close down the Leeds defensive third having previously made 22 tackles from his advanced role this season.
Summary
The title race and play-off race look to be going right down to the wire and this fixture will be integral in deciding both.
Leeds will be brimming with confidence following their promotion being confirmed but will need to avoid any hangovers to secure the title.
Bristol City have been in fine recent form but their defensive frailties may come back to bite them at Elland Road.
Score prediction: Leeds United 2-0 Bristol City
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