New Leeds United head coach Paul Heckingbottom will take charge of his first Whites match in Saturday's Sky Bet Championship Yorkshire derby against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.  Leeds are looking for a first win in 2018, having not won a game since Boxing Day against Burton Albion.  The Blades sit two places and two points above Leeds in the table, come into the game on the back of successive defeats, but Chris Wilder's side, who only won promotion back to the Championship last season, have had an impressive campaign to date.

League position

Sheffield United: 8th

Leeds United: 10th

Recent form

Sheffield United: DWWLL

Leeds United: LLLDL

Head to head

Sheffield United wins: 27

Draws: 23

Leeds United wins: 29

Last time at the Bramall Lane

19th March 2011

Sky Bet Championship

Sheffield United 2 (Lichaj O.G. 55, Riise 74)

Leeds United 0

Sheffield United sitting in the bottom three of the Championship in March 2011, recorded a vital victory over Leeds to boost their survival hopes, but dented the Whites’ promotion hopes.  The Blades took the lead when Eric Lichaj unluckily turned in Nick Montgomery's effort into his own goal.  Bjorn Helge Riise scored the second when he tucked Stephen Quinn’s pass into the bottom right before Leeds substitute Billy Paynter was sent off for violent conduct, to round off a miserable afternoon for the Whites. 

Team news

Leeds midfield duo Kalvin Phillips and Eunan O'Kane return for the Whites following suspension and could both start.  Pontus Jansson is likely to be fit after being stretchered off during last week's defeat to Cardiff.  Luke Ayling is a long term absentee, whilst the game is likely to come too soon for Caleb Ekuban, Tyler Roberts and Conor Shaughnessy.  Liam Cooper and Samuel Saiz remain suspended.  The Blades will be without goalkeeper Simon Moore who was dismissed in last week's 3-0 defeat at Wolves.  Ched Evans, David Brooks and Kieron Freeman are also still likely to be missing for Chris Wilder's side as well.

The key battle

Matthew Pennington v Leon Clarke

Sheffield United striker Clarke has been in fine form for the Blades this season, having found the back of the net 15 times to date.  He is likely to lead the line for the South Yorkshire side in Saturday's fixture.  The man tasked with stopping him will be Leeds centre-back Matthew Pennington.  Leeds have a shortage of defenders due to injuries and suspensions, but the Everton loan man is fit and has impressed at the back this season and will be looking to keep Clarke quiet.

Betting odds with Ladbrokes

Sheffield United: 3/4

Draw: 12/5

Leeds United: 19/5

(Odds correct at time of article published)

Click here to bet now.

LUTV

Supporters can listen to live commentary with Thom Kirwin and Eddie Gray on LUTV.  Build up will begin from 11:30am. Click here to subscribe now.