Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Wed 29 April 2026 7:10, UK

Leeds United are preparing for the visit of Burnley on Friday, as they look to confirm their Premier League safety.

The Whites’ strong run came to an end on Sunday, as Daniel Farke’s side lost for the first time in seven against Chelsea at Wembley.

Missing out on a spot in the FA Cup final, survival is now the sole focus for the West Yorkshire outfit, who are within touching distance.

Sitting six points clear of the drop zone, Farke’s side are well-placed, but they must get back to winning ways against Burnley.

The promotion rivals of last season have struggled in the top flight, with their relegation confirmed last week, but Scott Parker’s side will be looking to potentially drag Leeds back into trouble as they lock horns.

Daniel Farke forced into action after Wembley injury

Losing to Chelsea on Sunday was not the only disappointment for the Whites, with star wing back Gabriel Gudmundsson picking up a hamstring injury.

The Swede joined the club last summer, and has thrived out on the left, with his pace and energy being integral to the survival push.

With his fitness unclear, Farke could well be forced into a change, in an area where the squad itself is lacking depth.

Seeing James Justin shift out to the left flank, Jaka Bijol could start alongside Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk at the back.

Another big change could be Anton Stach coming in for Brenden Aaronson, whose struggles continued at Wembley.

Stach made his return to the squad in the capital after suffering with injury since the win over West Ham at the top of the month, but the star signing of the summer could be set to make his return to the starting XI on Friday as Leeds host Burnley.

Alongside this, shotstopper Karl Darlow will return after Lucas Perri deputised in the cup, as has been the case since the early rounds.

It has been a difficult period for Farke’s group on the injury front, with yet more bad luck as Gudmundsson drops out as others come back in.

However, welcoming relegated Burnley to Elland Road, the chance is there for safety to be all but secured on Friday.

Leeds to show no mercy against relegated Burnley

Facing off against their rivals of last season, the chance is there for Leeds to hammer yet another nail in the Clarets’ coffin, after their relegation was confirmed last weekend.

Since promotion, the fortunes of the two sides could not have contrasted more, with Leeds’ recruitment setting them up well for Premier League football.

With a six-point gap to the drop zone as things stand, this could be stretched to nine before the end of the weekend, meaning that safety would all be secured heading into the final weeks.

Though to do so, they must do the job against the strugglers at home, as they did against Wolves just over a week ago.