Leeds v Sheffield Wednesday preview: Team news, where to watch, prediction
Leeds United will return to Championship action on Sunday when Sheffield Wednesday travel to Elland Road.
Daniel Farke will be eager to extend his lead over Burnley in the league table after suffering a minor setback in their pursuit of Premier League promotion following the 3-3 draw against Hull City last time out in the league (4 January).
However, the Whites stumbled over the line to record a 1-0 victory against League Two outfit Harrogate Town in the FA Cup third-round tie (11 January). They must show a massive improvement on the pitch to return to winning ways in the Championship.
Preview
Hull dampened the blow of costing Leeds valuable points in the Championship title race by giving Joe Gelhardt an opportunity to play first team football for the rest of the season.
Despite Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe struggling to find the back of the net consistently, the 22-year-old had no chance of regular game time at Elland Road.
Regardless, with Farke uninterested in discussing the transfer market, the German can direct all of his attention on ensuring the consistency displayed throughout 2024 continues into the business end of the season.
Sheffield Wednesday have been putting up a fight in the second tier and sit only four points adrift of the playoff spots – they are not coming to West Yorkshire to roll over for the hosts.
Although, Farke will rightfully be encouraged, given that Danny Rohl has struggled against the Championship elite thus far, paired with the Whites’ impeccable form at home.
Form Guide [Championship]
Leeds United: DDWWW
Sheffield Wednesday: DWLDW
Head-to-Head [all competitions]
Sheffield Wednesday 0-2 Leeds United (23 August, 2024)
Sheffield Wednesday 0-2 Leeds United (8 March, 2024)
Leeds United 0-0 Sheffield Wednesday (2 September, 2023)
Leeds United 0-2 Sheffield Wednesday (11 January, 2020)
Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Leeds United (26 October, 2019)
Team News for Leeds United v Sheffield Wednesday
Despite the Whites struggling with several injury concerns before the FA Cup win last weekend, Farke will have plenty of options against Sheffield Wednesday.
Junior Firpo and Ilia Gruev came off the bench to rack up valuable minutes as they returned from injury setbacks, but Patrick Bamford remains on the sidelines with a hamstring issue.
On the other hand, Rohl is less fortunate and will be without duo Akin Famewo and Dominic Iorfa as confirmed absentees whereas forward Marvin Johnson remains a doubt.
Predicted lineups for Leeds United v Sheffield Wednesday
Leeds United: Meslier, Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Firpo, Rothwell, Ampadu, James, Aaronson, Solomon, Piroe
Sheffield Wednesday: Beadle, Valery, Otegbayo, Bernard, M. Lowe, Johnson, Bannan, Chalobah, Gassama, Windass, Smith
Where to watch?
The match at the Elland Road kicks off at 12pm GMT on Sunday (17 January) and will be available live on Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports + and available to stream via the SKYGo and NOWTV apps.
Alternatively, supporters can also listen to commentary on BBC Radio Leeds.
Prediction: Leeds United 3-1 Sheffield Wednesday
The Whites have the best home record in the division and have more than enough firepower to stride to a comprehensive victory on Sunday.
Although Joseph and Piroe are failing to provide the goods, most of the goals this season are coming from the flanks, and the forwards should have a field day against Sheffield Wednesday.
Rohl will ensure the visitors put up a fight but will ultimately be outmatched against a Premier League-bound West Yorkshire outfit.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites will replace Junior Firpo’ amid links to ‘Magnificent’ defender.
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