Leeds United host table-topping Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
Leeds United host top-of-the-table Huddersfield Town at Elland Road on Saturday as Garry Monk’s side go in search of a second Championship victory.
The first five games have tested Leeds, but the Terriers – who have won 13 points from a possible 15 so far – perhaps represents their toughest test of the campaign.
With that being said, here are three reasons to be cheerful for Whites fans ahead of the clash.
1 – Leeds are underdogs
Monk’s boys were 4/1 underdogs to beat Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough last month for what remains their only Championship win of the season, leaving with a relatively comfortable 2-0 win.
Given Huddersfield’s barnstorming start, Leeds may not be favourites to win on Saturday, but it’s that same lack of expectation which may well afford the hosts a similar degree of freedom to express themselves this weekend, just as it did against the Owls.
2 – Head-to-head
Huddersfield, for whatever reason, do not fare well against Leeds, who have won four of the last five meetings between the sides.
United have also managed nine goals in their last three home visits of Town, who did, to their credit, win 4-1 back in March.
Huddersfield Town manager David Wagner
3 – Monk needs a win
Should Leeds lose, few would be surprised to see owner Massimo Cellino wield the axe on Monk. Ridiculous, yes, but entirely possible, given the owner’s history. As a result, the Leeds players could and should be far more fired up than normal.
The 38-year-old seems a popular figure at Leeds, if the players’ comments on him are anything to go by, but actions speak louder than words.
If the playing staff value Monk then they will post a strong performance for him on Saturday. If not, he could be gone by Sunday.
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