Marcelo Bielsa delivers pre-Watford verdict Leeds United must be alert to

Follow us on Google Discover

Marcelo Bielsa has delivered a glowing verdict on the attacking threat Watford will pose to Leeds United ahead of Xisco Munoz’s side’s visit to Elland Road, via Leeds Live.

The Whites continue their search for a first win of the Premier League campaign at home to the Hornets. Leeds have laboured over their opening six games of the season to claim three draws and three defeats. Leaving them in the drop zone ahead of the international break.

Watford have marked their return to the top-flight with wins over Aston Villa and Norwich to sit in 12th. The Vicarage Road natives also scored three times in each of their wins, but have only fired home once over clashes with Brighton, Tottenham, Wolves and Newcastle.

Nonetheless, Bielsa believes Leeds will need to produce a solid defensive showing to deny Watford on Saturday. As the Argentine is aware of the threat the Hornets can spring.

“They are a solid team,” Bielsa said. “They’re combative with players of experience that fundamentally complicate the development of the play of the opponent, and they have forwards who are quick and can surprise you. They give a good compliment to the defensive aspect by asking [questions] in behind.”

Leeds defenders must take note of Bielsa’s Watford verdict

Leeds’ defenders will need to take note of Bielsa’s verdict ahead of guarding Illan Meslier’s net this weekend. The Whites boss will be loath to see any lapses of concentration that let the Hornets break through on goal.

Ismaila Sarr, particularly, will be one they must watch out for, with the 23-year-old striking four goals in six appearances. Only Jamie Vardy, Michail Antonio and Mohamed Salah with five have scored more in the top-flight so far this season.

Sarr also stung Newcastle last weekend, when the winger snuck in at the back post to head home unchallenged. While West Ham came from behind to beat Leeds in the 90th-minute, as they played on the West Yorkshire outfit’s susceptibility to being hit on the counter.