Kevin Blackwell had spells as the manager of both Championship title chasers Leeds and Sheffield United.
Kevin Blackwell believes that Leeds are a more ‘free-flowing’ side than Sheffield United but believes they have one stand-out flaw – their defence, as reported by the Press Association, via Herald Scotland.
With just eight games to go in another thrilling Championship title race, Leeds are a point and a place behind Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United in the table. They lost 1-0 at home to The Blades before the international break, Chris Basham scoring the winning goal as Chris Wilder’s side overtook Marcelo Bielsa’s outfit in the final automatic promotion position.
Leeds looked shaky at the back all afternoon against Sheffield United, with Liam Cooper making a big mistake in the build-up to Basham’s winner, while goalkeeper Kiko Casilla was sent off late on.
In contrast, Wilder’s well-drilled side have been almost unbeatable at the back since the turn of the year, keeping clean sheets in each of their last seven Championship fixtures.
And Blackwell, who has had spells in charge of both teams, believes Leeds’ backline could be their Achilles heel.
“Leeds are more free-flowing at times and they create lots of chances. The Blades are a bit more pragmatic. They grind the results out,” said Blackwell, who is currently attempting to stave off relegation from the Premier League alongside Neil Warnock at Cardiff City.
“When Leeds are on the front foot they are very difficult to beat. But if there is a question mark it is defensively.”
Leeds have conceded 39 Championship goals this season, five more than Sheffield United.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
