Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United side are back in action at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon, when they take on Watford (3pm).

The Whites will be looking for their first three points of the campaign when they take on the Hornets, who themselves will be aiming to continue their fine start to the season following promotion from the Championship last season. 

Leading the scoring charts for both teams are exciting, fast paced and tricky wingers. For Leeds, Raphinha has three up to now, whilst for Watford, Ismaila Sarr has struck four. Both players will be aiming to showcase their abilities on Saturday afternoon as they aim to get the three points.

Further talking points ahead of the match are on players missing. Patrick Bamford will be out of the squad again through injury, his head coach has confirmed. Whilst for the visitors, Peter Etebo has suffered a long-term injury and will be out of action for a number of months.

The last time these sides met was in the FA Cup, dating back to February 2016. A one-nil win for Watford at Vicarage Road that day means that Leeds are now without a win in this fixture in their last five meetings. 

However, the last and only time this was a Premier League fixture was in the 1999/2000 campaign. Leeds won both meetings that year, 2-1 away from home and 3-1 at Elland Road. 

A win for Xisco Munoz’s visitors could see them go into the top 10 of the Premier League table as we head into the international break, whilst Bielsa’s Leeds side could move up to 14th with a win, depending on results elsewhere. 

A moment to remember: 

🚀 "𝐇𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬... 𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐍'𝐓!"#LUFC x #GoalOfTheDay pic.twitter.com/yHniy79fL4

— Leeds United (@LUFC) September 29, 2021

Manager/head coach:

Leeds: Marcelo Bielsa

Watford: Xisco Munoz

What Marcelo Bielsa said:

“They are combative, with players of experience, and fundamentally complicate the development of the play of the opponent. They have forwards who are quick and can surprise you. They give a good complement to the defensive aspect by asking in behind.”



League position:

Leeds: 18th

Watford: 12th

Premier League form:

Leeds: DDLDL

Watford: LLLWD

Top scorer: 

Leeds: Raphinha (3)

Watford: Ismaila Sarr (4)

Head to head:

Leeds: 8

Draw: 6

Watford: 11

Last win against Watford:

Sunday 4th May, 2013

Championship

Watford 1 (Abdi 45’)

Leeds United 2 (Poleon 42’, McCormack 90’)



Team news:

Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed that Patrick Bamford, Luke Ayling and Robin Koch will all still be missing from the squad. The positive news confirmed by the head coach is that Diego Llorente is fit to return and Raphinha is also available. 

For Watford, they have been dealt a blow this week with the news that Peter Etebo will be out for four to five months. Tom Cleverley and Daniel Bachmann, who were both doubts for the game, have been passed fit to play if selected. 

Officials

Referee – Simon Hooper

Assistant Referee 1 – Darren Cann

Assistant Referee 2 – Derek Eaton

Fourth Official – Michael Salisbury

Video Assistant Referee – Lee Mason

The key battle:

Raphinha v Ismaila Sarr

Two players that are regularly described as 'match winners’ for their respective teams will be key on the day. The pace, trickery, goal threat and flair will be on show from these two tricky wingers as they battle at either end of the pitch to secure the three points for their team. 



Latest odds:

Leeds: 7/10

Draw: 3/1

Watford: 15/4

How to watch:

The match has not been chosen for live television coverage in the UK. Match commentary is available via LUTV.