Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United side face Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on Friday evening (8pm).
Separated by just two points and one place in the league standings, it is all set to be a tight encounter and a true tactical battle.
In what has been a very different season which has seen many lose regularly at home, only four teams have gone away with the three points at Molineux from 12 games played, showing it’s still one of the traditionally tough places to play at.
Faced with that task, Bielsa’s side have an impressive away record thus far. From12 matches, the Whites have won six and lost six on their travels. In those games, Leeds have scored 24 times and that is the joint-second best record in the league.
After a run of only one win in 11 matches, Wolves have turned their recent form around and have now only suffered defeat once in their last five. In that run they have earned hard-fought draws and clean sheets against Chelsea and Leicester, as well as beating Arsenal and Southampton.
Things have been tough in the scoring department for the Wanderers, and in large parts that can be put down the serious injury sustained by star striker Raul Jimenez against Arsenal, in November. Brazilian forward Willian Jose was brought in during the January window to add some firepower.
It is 20-year-old Pedro Neto though, that everyone in the Premier League is currently keeping a close eye on in matches. The Portuguese international has been in excellent form and tops both the scoring and assists chart for his side.
Still leading the way for the Whites in the goal-scoring department is Patrick Bamford with 12, but the striker has now been caught up on assists by Raphinha and Mateusz Klich, on five.
A win for Leeds could see them move back above Arsenal in the table and reclaim a top 10 spot, prior to the weekend’s fixtures taking place. Wolves have the bonus of being able to jump above the Whites into 11th, with a win. A draw would keep them both in their current places.
Manager/head coach
Wolves: Nuno Espirito Santo
Leeds: Marcelo Bielsa
League position
Wolves: 12th
Leeds: 11th
Premier League form
Wolves: DLWDW
Leeds: WWLWL
Premier League top scorer
Wolves: Pedro Neto (5)
Leeds: Patrick Bamford (12)
Head to head
Wolves: 34
Draws: 22
Leeds: 42
Last time at Molineux
Wednesday 22nd November 2017
Championship
Wolves 4 (Douglas 15’, Cavaleiro 26’, Jota 72’, Costa 76’ pen)
Leeds 1 (Alioski 48’)
Team news
Kalvin Phillips, Rodrigo & Ian Poveda will all be missing for Leeds United on Friday night, Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed. However, the head coach did reveal positive news that Mateusz Klich and Diego Llorente are available for selection.
For hosts Wolves, both Willy Boly and Daniel Podence have returned to training, but this match will be too soon for them to feature. Star striker Raul Jimenez remains sidelined as he recovers from November’s shocking head injury, which saw the entire footballing community sending their well wishes to the Mexican.
Officials
Referee - David Coote
Assistant Referee 1 - Nick Hopton
Assistant Referee 2 - James Mainwaring
Fourth Official - Darren England
Video Assistant Referee - Jarred Gillett
The key battle
Pedro Neto vs Raphinha
Both players have the ability to be match-winners for their respective teams on Friday night. Both are full of flare, trickery and have an eye for goal, as well as the ability to unlock a defence by setting up their teammates. With 18 goals involvements between them (nine each), they are unlikely to be too far away from the goalmouth action when we get underway at Molineux.
Latest odds
Wolves: 29/20
Draw: 12/5
Leeds: 9/5
How to watch
The game will be broadcast on BT Sport, with live commentary on LUTV.