Leeds United return to Sky Bet Championship action following the international break, as they welcome Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United to Elland Road for Friday evening’s clash.
The match pits the fifth-placed Whites against second-placed Blades, with both clubs having started the new campaign strongly as they bid for promotion back to the Premier League.
Daniel Farke’s side responded well to a home defeat against Burnley last month, picking up impressive victories over Cardiff City and Coventry city without conceding a goal.
From there, a return to the German’s former employers saw Leeds deservedly leave Norfolk with a point thanks to Largie Ramazani’s second half equaliser, before they were held to a 2-2 draw on Wearside against Sunderland.
Sheffield United’s return to the Championship has got off to a fine start under boss Chris Wilder. The Blades remain the only undefeated side this campaign in the Championship, having won six and drawn three times in their nine matches to date.
Last time out, a brace from Jesurun Rak-Sakyi helped the South Yorkshire outfit beat Luton Town at Bramall Lane before the international break.
The fixture will also mark a return to Elland Road for Leeds United academy graduate Jamie Shackleton, who made the switch to the Blades in the summer having amassed nearly 100 appearances during his time with the Whites.
The last time the two sides met saw Leeds record a 2-1 victory in the Premier League, with Phil Jagielka's second half own goal deciding proceedings on the day.
Action from Elland Road gets underway a 8pm.
A special guest returns this evening:
Tributes:
Ahead of kick off, both sets of supporters are asked to come together in a minute’s silence as football remembers former Sheffield United defender and Greek international George Baldock, who tragically passed away aged 31 last week. Both sets of players will also wear black armbands.
How to watch:
The match is available to watch live in selected territories. Studio build up with Rich Williams and Michael Bridges starts from 7:30pm, before worldwide live audio commentary with Bryn Law and club legend Tony Dorigo for monthly audio subscribers. Match passes include video build up, analysis and reaction at video.leedsunited.com. Buy your match pass HERE.
The match has also been selected for live television coverage within the UK, on Sky Sports. For further information on how to watch the game across the rest of the world, please see our ‘How to Watch’ guide on leedsunited.com, ahead of kick-off!
Supporters can also follow all the updates live on leedsunited.com with our online blog throughout the match.
Important supporter information:
Friday’s match is dedicated to the EFL’s Together Against Racism campaign, highlighting how when everybody connected with football comes together and use our voices, we can drive change. More about this campaign can be found HERE.
The pedestrian route out of the ground for West Stand, North West Corner and North Stand General Admission ticket holders will be via the back of the North Stand, the North East Corner entrance or via Gate 1 at the bottom of the John Charles West Stand Car Park. No home fans will be able to exit via the John Charles West Stand Car Park and through the Main West Stand Gate on Elland Road until all away fans have exited from this area.
Lowfields Road will be closed post-match for vehicular movement. No vehicles will be allowed to move on Lowfields Road until fans have left the area, this could delay you for up to 30 minutes after the final whistle. Alternative disabled parking is available at the back of the North Stand. The above measures are implemented for the safety and security of all supporters.
In the event that any of the above measures need to change on the day, in light of public safety, then we politely request that you follow any instructions from club representatives.
Discriminatory language or chanting is not acceptable and you could be breaking the law. The club condemns this behaviour and has a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination abuse of all kinds.
To report an incident, text LEEDS along with any relevant information including ticket details, your name and description of an incident to 60006. You will then receive an automated response which means that your report has been logged and will then be looked into.
Tough measures and sanctions are in place across all English football leagues to tackle dangerous and illegal behaviours within football grounds, and this involves but is not limited to, discriminatory behaviour, tragedy chanting, fans entering the pitch, the use of pyros and throwing objects.
What has Daniel Farke said ahead of the match?
Head-to-head:
Wins: 32
Draws: 23
Losses: 29
League position:
Leeds: 5th
Sheffield United: 2nd
Top scorer:
Leeds: Joel Piroe (4)
Sheffield United: Gustavo Hamer (4)
Officials:
Referee – Lewis Smith
Assistant Referees - Paul Hodskinson, Matthew Smith
Fourth Official - John Busby
