Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United side will face Burnley in their penultimate Premier League away fixture, of the 2020/21 campaign (12:30pm).
The Whites travel to face Sean Dyche’s outfit currently occupying 10th place, whereas Burnley currently sit in 15th, an impressive 12 points above the relegation spots with three games to play.
When the two teams met at Elland Road in December, an early Patrick Bamford penalty was enough to secure all three points, but that certainly didn’t tell the full story in what was a hard-fought encounter.
Burnley haven’t lost to Leeds at home in a league match on their last three occasions, a run stretching back to 2011 when a late Robert Snodgrass goal won the points. The two teams did meet in a League Cup tie though in 2017 and late goals were also on show that day, with the 2-2 thriller being won by Leeds on penalties!
This season, the Clarets have unexpectedly been stronger on the road than they have at home. From their 10 wins, only four have come at Turf Moor, accompanied by six draws.
For Leeds, from 17 matches on the road, eight of them have been wins and nine losses, making Bielsa’s side the only club not to have drawn a game on their travels.
In a battle of the former strikers at each club, Chris Wood has only played once against the Whites at Turf Moor since departing Elland Road. He scored in that clash, but was on the losing side that day.
Similarly, Patrick Bamford has enjoyed playing his former sides this year. He has three goals in three matches against old clubs that he has played for, coming in both games against Crystal Palace and once against Burnley.
If Leeds take the three points on Saturday they will move four points clear of Aston Villa in the race for a top 10 finish, albeit having played a game more. Burnley are in their own mini league and could finish anywhere between 12th or 17th.
Manager/head coach
Burnley: Sean Dyche
Leeds: Marcelo Bielsa
League position
Burnley: 15th
Leeds: 10th
Premier League form
Burnley: LLWLW
Leeds: WDDLW
Premier League top scorer
Burnley: Chris Wood (12)
Leeds: Patrick Bamford (15)
Head to head
Burnley: 18
Draws: 11
Leeds: 32
Last time at Turf Moor
19th September, 2017
League Cup
Burnley 2 (Wood 89’ pen, Brady 90+6’)
Leeds 2(p) (Sacko 80’, Hernandez 90+4’ pen)
Team news
Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed that Liam Cooper, Raphinha, Kalvin Phillips and Rodrigo are all fit to play if selected this weekend. Helder Costa remains sidelined and will miss the rest of the campaign.
For Burnley, Nick Pope could be missing as the England goalkeeper has a shoulder injury. Phil Bardsley, Robbie Brady and Kevin Long will also be notable absentees for the Clarets.
Officials
Referee - Graham Scott
Assistant Referee 1 - Gary Beswick
Assistant Referee 2 - Derek Eaton
Fourth Official - Anthony Taylor
Video Assistant Referee - Darren England
The key battle
Chris Wood vs Patrick Bamford
Goals win football matches and in these two forwards, they both know how to find the net! In this battle of the two chart toppers in terms of goals, Chris Wood has 12 so far this season. That figure includes excellent recent form of five in three, including an impressive hat-trick away at Wolves. Patrick Bamford struck last time out at home to Tottenham and in doing so, claimed his 15th of what has been another thoroughly successful campaign. If either of them can continue to find the net on Saturday, they are likely to help their side to another important three points.
Latest odds
Burnley: 21/10
Draw: 13/5
Leeds: 6/5
How to watch
The game will be broadcast on BT Sport, with live commentary on LUTV.
