Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United side face Sheffield United at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon (3pm).

The first game back after the recent international break will see the Whites take on the Blades at Elland Road, in the second Yorkshire derby clash of the season between the two teams. 

Patrick Bamford’s 88th minute header secured the three points for Leeds in a first Premier League meeting between the two sides in 26 years, with Illan Meslier putting in a superb display to keep a clean sheet. 

Now much further into the season, top-scorer Bamford netted last time out against Fulham to take his tally to 14 for the season, and impressively leads the squad charts for assists as well, with six. 

After impressing during the 2019/20 season following promotion to the top-flight, Sheffield United are finding things tough this campaign and remain bottom of the Premier League, currently 14 points from safety.  

In charge at Bramall Lane on an interim basis is former Whites boss Paul Heckingbottom, following the recent departure of long-serving manager, Chris Wilder. Heckingbottom has stepped up to lead the side until the end of the season, after impressing in his role with the Under-23s who sit top of their league table.  

After an uncharacteristically heavy defeat to Leicester City in their last Premier League game, the Blades showed fight away at Chelsea in their Emirates FA Cup quarter-final, but couldn’t progress to the next round after losing 2-0.  

Top of the scoring charts for Saturday’s visitors is David McGoldrick, on six. A prolific scorer throughout his career, former Leeds striker Billy Sharp is next on the list with three. George Baldock, John Fleck and John Lundstram are all level in the creative department, with two assists each to their name.  

A win for Bielsa’s side this weekend could see them return to the top 10 in the table, moving above Aston Villa and level on points with ninth placed Arsenal. 

Heckingbottom’s Sheffield United can’t come off the bottom with three points, but they can close the gap to West Bromwich Albion in 19th, whilst continuing to look at and fight to reach Newcastle United in 17th.  

The head-to-head record between the two sides down the years is very close and the last five matches against each other has seen all of them won by just the one goal either way. Another intense and battling display is expected on Saturday. 

Manager/head coach

Leeds United: Marcelo Bielsa

Sheffield United: Paul Heckingbottom (Interim)

League position

Leeds United: 11th

Sheffield United: 20th

Premier League form

Leeds United: WLLDW

Sheffield United: LLWLL

Premier League top scorer

Leeds United: Patrick Bamford (14)

Sheffield United: David McGoldrick (6)

Head to head

Leeds United: 31

Draws: 23

Sheffield United: 29

Last time at Elland Road

16th March, 2019

Championship

Leeds United 0

Sheffield United 1 (Basham 71’)

Team news

Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed that he is waiting to assess his players that have been on international duty once they return. Mateusz Klich remains doubtful, Rodrigo and Pablo Hernandez could return to action and there are no new injury concerns, currently.  

The Blades will be without Billy Sharp and Chris Basham on Saturday, two players would normally be in and around the starting XI. Other first team regulars that remain sidelined are John Egan and Sander Berge. 

Officials

Referee - Graham Scott

Assistant Referee 1 - Richard West

Assistant Referee 2 - Mark Scholes

Fourth Official - Kevin Friend

Video Assistant Referee - Jarred Gillett

The key battle

Patrick Bamford vs David McGoldrick 

The battle of the two top-scoring players in each line-up, in a match that both sides will be looking to try and win as the season enters its final run of matches. The taking of chances will be key at either end, whilst also looking to be creative and bring a teammate into play is another skill that both players possess. 

Latest odds

Leeds United: 1/2

Draw: 16/5

Sheffield United: 11/2

How to watch

The game will be broadcast on Amazon Prime, with live commentary on LUTV.