Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Tue 28 April 2026 16:10, UK

Leeds United host Burnley on Friday evening as Elland Road stages a meeting between former promotion rivals.

Having battled side by side near the summit of the Championship last season, the two clubs have endured starkly contrasting Premier League campaigns.

Leeds, six points clear of the relegation zone, are now within touching distance of securing their Premier League status under Daniel Farke.

Burnley, by contrast, saw their fate confirmed last Wednesday, when a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City sealed an immediate return to the second tier.

With Leeds aiming to move a significant step closer to safety, Opta’s supercomputer has delivered its verdict on Friday night’s contest in West Yorkshire.

Leeds take mantle of firm favourites as Burnley visit Elland Road

Over the course of the campaign, Farke’s side have gone from strength to strength, with the Whites now firmly on course to secure their Premier League place.

Burnley, by contrast, have gone backwards. Three of their four wins came before the end of October, and they have managed just 10 points since.

Yet despite Burnley’s 2-0 victory over Leeds at Turf Moor in the reverse fixture, Opta’s supercomputer still makes the hosts firm favourites.

According to its latest forecast, Leeds have been given a 62.4 per cent chance of claiming all three points, while the likelihood of a draw is rated higher than that of a Burnley win.

With survival now in touching distance, Farke’s side must seize the opportunity on home soil.

Leeds must take welcome Elland Road opportunity

Since returning from the international break, Leeds have enjoyed an impressive run of form in the league, recording victories over Manchester United and Wolves, as well as a draw against Bournemouth.

It is the win over Wolves, however, that Farke’s side will look back on most closely as they prepare to welcome Burnley.

Like the Clarets, Wolves recently had their relegation to the Championship confirmed after a similarly dismal campaign.

On that afternoon at Elland Road, Leeds showed no mercy, cruising to a 3-0 victory after striking twice in quick succession during the first half.

Now, with Burnley the next visitors, the Whites must produce a repeat performance as they look to edge ever closer to safety.