Leeds United are on the cusp of an emotional return to the Premier League, and Easter Monday at Elland Road could be the stage for a long-awaited celebration. Daniel Farke’s men are flying high at the top of the Championship table, unbeaten in 18 straight home games and chasing an eighth win on the spin after a narrow but significant 1-0 success over Oxford United on Good Friday.
With just three matches left and promotion firmly within their grasp, Leeds know a win over Stoke City, coupled with Sheffield United dropping points, would mathematically seal the deal. Tottenham loanee Manor Solomon has been a standout performer, providing a creative spark in attack and chipping in with 12 goal contributions in 2024.
Leeds have made a habit of grinding out results by fine margins, a testament to their growing mental fortitude under Farke, who has guided two Championship-winning campaigns in the past. With Elland Road in full voice, Monday’s fixture is poised to be one of the most atmospheric of the season.
As for Stoke City, they may not be in contention for promotion or fighting relegation, but they’re currently riding a five-match unbeaten streak that has injected some much-needed belief into a previously underwhelming campaign. Their 2-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday on Friday, spurred on by a huge home crowd, saw goals from Million Manhoef and Ben Wilmot. It was their biggest win in front of their largest crowd since their Premier League days, proof that the fire still burns in Staffordshire.
However, the Potters’ away form remains a concern. With just 16 goals scored in 21 road games, they rank among the worst travelling sides in the division in terms of attacking output. While manager Mark Robins has steadied the ship, facing Leeds at Elland Road in a high-stakes encounter is an entirely different challenge. Still, with Championship safety all but secured, Stoke City will play with freedom and nothing to lose. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Daniel Farke has a couple of key injury concerns heading into Easter Monday’s clash against Stoke City. Midfielder Joe Rothwell is still recovering from a calf injury, while influential defender Pascal Struijk remains sidelined with a foot problem. Neither is expected to return in time for the fixture at Elland Road, but the rest of the squad remains largely intact, allowing Farke to stick with the core of the side that delivered a vital 1-0 win over Oxford United on Good Friday.
In terms of setup, Farke is expected to continue with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. Karl Darlow will keep his place between the posts after another clean sheet, protected by a backline of Jayden Bogle at right-back, Junior Firpo on the left, and the central pairing of Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon.
In midfield, Ao Tanaka is likely to sit alongside Ilia Gruev in the deeper roles, offering stability and control. The attacking midfield trio is expected to consist of Wilfried Gnonto out wide, Brenden Aaronson operating centrally, and Manor Solomon, who is in electric form, taking the left flank. Up top, Joel Piroe should continue to lead the line for Leeds United against Stoke City.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Darlow; Bogle, Rodon, Ampadu, Firpo; Tanaka, Gruev; Gnonto, Aaronson, Solomon; Piroe
Stoke City are facing a few defensive concerns ahead of their daunting trip to Elland Road. Enda Stevens, who brings valuable promotion experience from his time at Sheffield United, is doubtful for the clash due to a knock.
In addition, Eric Bocat is ruled out after being forced off early in the match against Sheffield Wednesday with an injury, further limiting Mark Robins’s options in defence. These setbacks could prompt some reshuffling at the back as the Potters look to contain a high-flying Leeds side.
In terms of formation, Stoke City are likely to line up in a familiar 4-2-3-1 shape against Leeds United. Viktor Johansson is expected to start in goal, with Junior Tchamadeu at right-back, Ben Wilmot and Ashley Phillips forming the central defensive partnership, and Jordan Thompson covering the left-back spot.
In midfield, Ben Pearson and Wouter Burger should occupy the deeper roles, offering bite and distribution in the engine room. Further ahead, Million Manhoef, scorer in the last outing, will likely operate on the right wing, with Lewis Baker in the central attacking midfield slot and Bae Jun-ho on the left. Up front, Samuel Gallagher is expected to lead the line as the lone striker.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Johansson; Tchamadeu, Phillips, Wilmot, Thompson; Pearson, Burger; Manhoef, Baker, Bae; Gallagher
Leeds United have won four of their last five league games against Stoke City, keeping a clean sheet in each of those wins.
Stoke City have won only two of their last 29 away league games against Leeds United since 1961 (D7 L20).
Leeds have lost seven of their last eight league games played on Easter Monday, conceding 15 goals and failing to score in five of them.
Stoke City have lost just one of their last seven Easter Monday league games (W2 D4), including a 1-1 draw with Huddersfield Town last season.
Leeds striker Joel Piroe has contributed to six goals (4 goals, 2 assists) in three Easter Monday Championship appearances, including scoring braces and providing assists for Swansea and Leeds.
With Leeds United on the brink of sealing promotion back to the Premier League, all eyes will be on Joel Piroe to deliver the goals when it matters most. Despite enduring a relatively quiet spell by his own high standards, the Dutch striker remains one of the most dangerous finishers in the Championship and is capable of producing a moment of brilliance to tilt the game in Leeds United’s favour.
Piroe’s intelligent movement, clinical left foot, and ability to operate both as a lone striker and link-up man make him a crucial component of Daniel Farke’s system. While he has not found the net in recent outings, his presence in the box consistently draws defenders and creates space for his teammates, particularly the in-form wingers and midfield runners.
A goal on Easter Monday could not only reignite Piroe’s confidence but also secure Leeds United’s return to the top flight, the perfect moment for him to remind everyone why he is one of the most feared marksmen in the division.
Leeds United are too close to the finish line to stumble now. With the momentum of seven straight wins and an Elland Road fortress behind them, the Whites should be expected to take all three points. Stoke City may offer stubborn resistance, but their poor away record and limited goal threat will likely be their undoing. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-0 win for Daniel Farke and his charges.
