Preview: Leeds United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

Preview: Leeds United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

A look ahead to Saturday’s clash.

Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United will host Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon (3pm).

The Whites are looking to secure back to back wins at Elland Road for the first time this season, having beaten Watford last time out thanks to Diego Llorente’s first half winner. 

Wolves come into the match in good form. After a tough early start to the season, they’ve now won four from their last five games, including their last three in a row. That fine form is backed up by a strong recent record at Elland Road, winning their last three in a row in West Yorkshire.  

On the road this season, Bruno Lage’s side have the fourth best record in the division. From four matches played, they have won three and lost just one, including a comeback from two goals down last time out at Aston Villa.

Having starred on the international stage for Brazil, Raphinha is set to return to the squad this weekend for Leeds. The winger is currently top scorer for the Whites with three, which is half way towards his full season tally last season for the club.

Also with three to his name, top scorer for Wolves is summer loan signing Hwang Hee-Chan. The striker, who is a South Korean international, scored on his debut for his new side and followed that up a couple of games later with a double against Newcastle United, to gain all three points. 

With the Premier League table still wide open from top to bottom, a win for either side could create plenty of movement across the division, as teams battle for position early on.

Three points for Leeds could move them up to 14th, above Crystal Palace, whereas visitors Wolves will be looking to break into the top half with a win, having the possibility of moving as high as fourth if results all went their way elsewhere. 

Kick-off is at 3pm at Elland Road and you can follow live updates throughout right here on leedsunited.com, if you are not attending the match. Supporters who have got tickets for the game are encouraged to read the important supporter information at the bottom of the page. 


A moment to remember


Manager/head coach

Leeds: Marcelo Bielsa

Wolves: Bruno Lage


What Marcelo Bielsa said, ahead of the game

“We played our best game of the season against Watford, and the worst against Southampton. More than whether the opponents were better or worse, teams change frequently. What is it that allows the loss of form for a team to recover quickly, the amount of work that has accumulated, and the fortitude or spirit of the group to accept the difficulties.”

Jon Howe


League position

Leeds: 17th

Wolves: 11th


Premier League form

Leeds: LDLWL

Wolves: WLWWW


Top scorer

Leeds: Raphinha (3)

Wolves: Hwang Hee-Chan (3)


Head to head

Leeds: 42

Draws: 22

Wolves: 42


Last win against Wolves at Elland Road

Tuesday 19th April, 2016

Championship

Leeds United 2 (Bamba 60’, Diagouraga 64’)

Wolves 1 (Saville 77’)

Jon Howe


Team news

Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed that Kalvin Phillips is available for selection, but won’t be involved this weekend due to only recently returning to training. Also still missing will be Luke Ayling, Robin Koch, Junior Firpo and Patrick Bamford, whilst Raphinha is set to return to action after missing the Southampton clash. 

Willy Boly, Pedro Neto, Jonny and Yerson Mosquera will be missing for Saturday’s visitors, Bruno Lage has confirmed. A boost for Wolves will be the return of on-loan Barcelona forward Francisco Trincao 


Officials

Referee – Robert Jones

Assistant Referee 1 – Darren Cann

Assistant Referee 2 – Mark Scholes

Fourth Official – Mike Dean

Video Assistant Referee – Peter Bankes


The key battle

Dan James v Adama Traore

The battle of two of quickest players in world football, not just in the Premier League, will be key to Saturday’s outcome. Both teams have the option to use their tricky and speedy wingers to get in behind one another and counter attack against one another. Whichever defence handles the threats posed by James and Traore will go along way to reducing key chances in the game. 


Latest odds

Leeds: 6/4

Draw: 12/5

Wolves: 7/4


How to watch

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


Important supporter information 

Please click here to read important supporter information if you are attending the match on Saturday. 

Jon Howe

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