Leeds United could be doomed v Derby County as curse emerges
Leeds United will be looking to ignore a glaring statistic as Daniel Farke’s side host Derby County at Elland Road this weekend.
The Whites have failed to win in nine early kick-offs in the Championship since 17 February [Beren Cross, 3 December], with Dom Howson [Leeds Live, 5 December] pointing out ways in which Farke’s men can change that record for the better.
Blackburn Rovers ended Leeds’ three-game winning run last weekend and now the pressure is on to return to winning ways on Saturday lunchtime [7 December].
Howson said: “Farke readily admits he does not like early kick-offs, but what is he going to do to solve the issue? Do they need to alter their preparation? Does there have to be more squad rotation in a three-game week to keep everyone fresh and sharp?”
It is a peculiar pattern that has emerged, and certainly an unwanted one.
For Leeds, it is a question of whether they play it down as a bizarre run of bad luck, or if it constitutes a legitimate concern.
Leeds United look to break early kick-off curse v Derby County
It has been nearly 10 months since Leeds won a Championship game on a Saturday lunchtime – it’s a glaring if not unorthodox statistic, which has reared itself in a league title favourite.
The early kick-off at Blackburn last weekend yielded the frustrating defeat, preceded on 26 October with the goalless draw at Bristol City, the home defeat by Burnley on 14 September, and August draws against both West Brom and Portsmouth.
Even stretching back to late last season, Leeds’ play-off semi-final against Norwich City witnessed a comfortable 4-0 aggregate win. However, all four goals arrived in the second leg at Elland Road following a stalemate in the first leg in Norfolk, which of course kicked off at 12 noon.
The last lunchtime win came in the form of a 2-0 success away at Plymouth Argyle. Many of the early games since have ended goalless, which is a testament to Farke’s defensive unit but at the same time demonstrates a bluntness going forward.
Does the German switch up his attacking options? It’s one area in the pitch he has the resources to do just that, but it would involve more playing time for the likes of Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt, who have rarely featured.
A poor start against Derby will have fans talking again, and a pressure on Farke from early starts which will again irk him in a crucial promotion chase.
In other Leeds news, the club are reportedly targeting a midfielder with two domestic titles.
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