Leeds United: Graham Smyth delivers ‘remarkable’ verdict ahead of Sheffield Wednesday clash
Graham Smyth believes Sheffield Wednesday have had a “remarkable” turnaround as Leeds United get set to face their relegation-threatened rivals at Hillsborough on Friday (8 March).
The Owls have been in fine form, claiming five victories in their previous six league matches, only losing out to league leaders Leicester City in a 2-0 defeat at the King Power Stadium during that run.
Danny Rohl has overseen the fine turnaround after replacing Xisco Munoz, who took only two points from 10 matches in charge – including one in a goalless draw with Leeds at Elland Road in September.
And Smyth acknowledged the impact the German has had at Hillsborough, with Wednesday still 23rd but now only two points back of 16th.
Speaking via the Inside Elland Road podcast on Thursday (7 March), Yorkshire Evening Post writer Smyth said: “The fans were as convinced as Rotherham [United] fans had been [that they would be relegated], then a new manager comes in…
“He has transformed them. It shows how badly they started the season, but they’re still in it. It has been a remarkable turnaround, even though they are still relegation-threatened. I think, of the teams down there, they have one of the better chances of staying up – they have the bit between their teeth.”
Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Joe Donnohue added: “They are a play-off chasing team if you began the season in December, which is not the type of team you want to be coming up against if you’re fatigued, in Leeds’ case. But no one wants to play Leeds right now either.”
Can Sheffield Wednesday continue their fine form against Leeds United?
The Owls will believe that they can pull off a shock against Leeds at Hillsborough, claiming five victories in their last six matches, only losing out in a 2-0 defeat to Leicester City.
Though all hope looked lost for Wednesday earlier in the season, survival looks like a very real outcome for the club and would take one step closer to that aim with a good result over the Whites.
Even despite their torrid start to the campaign, the Owls were able to claim a 0-0 draw at Elland Road in September. And now, with a much better form, they will be aiming for more of the same, if not more.
Farke, however, will be hoping to build off their 1-0 win over Stoke City (5 March), having lost their nine-game winning streak after drawing with 10-man Huddersfield Town.
A win will be vital for Leeds’ chances of achieving promotion to the Premier League, with Leicester and Ipswich Town showing no signs of slowing down, beating Sunderland and Bristol City respectively at the weekend.
In other Leeds United news, Gabby Agbonlahor has shared an “outstanding” promotion verdict live on talkSPORT.
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