Leeds United Must Shake Inconsistent Form Against Birmingham City

Team News

Leeds United have seen injuries to key players in the early weeks of this season; with Liam Cooper and Pablo Hernandez both out, two of the Whites’ most influential players are missing. However, with the red card to Gaetano Berardi now overturned, they are buoyed at the back. Midfielders Jamie Shackleton and Adam Forshaw will also likely miss out throut injury.

Birmingham are also without a few players, though most are due to long-term injuries. Jefferson Montero has not featured since August, after suffering an injury against Stoke City. Jonathan Grounds, Cheick Keita and Meikel Kieftenbeld are yet to feature this season, having suffered injuries last campaign.

Recent Meetings

The Blues are currently on a three-game winning streak against Leeds, stretching back to 2017. After doing the double over their opponents last season, Birmingham will have the confidence to do it again. The 1-0 defeat to Birmingham in April had dire consequences on Leeds’ promotion campaign, ultimately failing to reach the Premier League. In September of last year, it would be the Blues to pile more misery, ending Bielsa’s side’s unbeaten start. Can ‘El Loco’ get his first victory against the Midlands side?

What Does The Form Table Say?

Leeds United come into this clash in indifferent, enduring an inconsistent last month. Just two wins in their last six games, with three losses have meant that their title bid is not all according to plan. However, the Yorkshire faithful can take heart in the fact that the promotion chase seems wide open; there are only three points separating West Bromwich Albion in first and Queen’s Park Rangers in ninth. Should results go their way, Leeds could find themselves at the summit again.

The Blues will arrive at Elland Road in a similarly indifferent run of form; in their last six games, Birmingham have won three and lost three games. Clearly there is a competitive streak in the side, but both seem very open. This could be a case of who is more up for it on the day, as both outfit seeks to kickstart a purple patch.

Prediction

Leeds have struggled at home this season, with just one win at Elland Road. However, with the international break behind them and a point to prove, this should still be Leeds’ game to lose. Whether or not that works in their favour will wait until Saturday.