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Leeds United’s major strength and main weakness

Leeds United's Chris Wood celebrates scoring his sides second goal (REUTERS)
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The Whites have had an excellent campaign, though not without fault.

Leeds' Luke Ayling clashes with Derby's Richard Keogh as Will Hughes and Leeds' Ronaldo Vieira look onLeeds’ Luke Ayling clashes with Derby’s Richard Keogh as Will Hughes and Leeds’ Ronaldo Vieira look on

It’s been a tremendous season so far for Leeds United, who currently sit in fourth position in the Championship with just eight games remaining, while looking a good bet to return to the Premier League for the first time since relegation in 2004.

With Garry Monk’s side displaying many strengths, it’s been hard to locate weaknesses – though there are some. Here are Leeds’ biggest strength and most noticeable weakness from this season.

Main strength – defence

Countless managers will tell you that in order to succeed, you build from the back. If you stop the opposition from scoring and can string a few passes together, with a decent striker you will be a force to be reckoned with – and that is exactly what Garry Monk has achieved at Leeds. The Whites currently have the third best defensive record in the Championship, with only Newcastle United and Brighton Hove Albion – first and second – conceding fewer. Chris Wood has delivered time and time again this season, and it’s no surprise that if Leeds take the lead in a game, you rarely feel as if they’d throw it away.

Leeds United's Chris Wood celebrates after scoring their second goalLeeds United’s Chris Wood celebrates after scoring

Biggest weakness – striking options

This may sound rather silly considering Wood has 24 Championship goals and is the division’s top scorer, but he’s the only Leeds United attacker who’s delivered. 50% of Leeds’ goals have involved Wood, who also has two assists to his name, and his fellow forwards aren’t chipping in with their share. The jury’s coming to a close on Marcus Antonsson, who seems a flop, while Souleymene Doukara’s better suited to the left wing than he is as a striker. If Wood gets injured or suspended, you do wonder whether Leeds will still score goals at the same rate they are now.