Already confirmed as a Premier League club for next season, Leeds United now have their sights set firmly on a historic finish to their brilliant Championship campaign as they get set to take on Bristol City on Monday. Daniel Farke’s side have been relentless throughout the season, and even though their promotion is secured, motivation remains sky-high as they chase the title and aim to hit the coveted 100-point milestone.
Last week’s devastating 6-0 victory over Stoke City, with Joel Piroe delivering an extraordinary four-goal masterclass, underlined the sheer dominance Leeds have shown, especially at Elland Road. With 89 goals scored so far, the Whites are closing in on their all-time best tally of 98 goals, set in 1927/28. Two more victories would not only see them achieve a century of points for the first time in the club’s long history but would almost certainly guarantee finishing above rivals Burnley due to their vastly superior goal difference.
The statistics also paint a favourable picture for Leeds United against their next visitors. The Whites have not been beaten by Bristol City in any of their last ten meetings, and the Robins’ record at Elland Road is woeful, with no league win there since 1979. The home side’s momentum, firepower, and sheer belief will make them formidable opponents yet again.
Meanwhile, Bristol City still have plenty to fight for themselves. Despite a disappointing 3-1 defeat at Luton Town last time out, a game in which they produced very little going forward, the Robins remain in the playoff spots, sitting fifth in the table. Thanks to other results going their way, they retain a four-point cushion over the chasing pack.
Victory at Elland Road would secure a playoff berth for Liam Manning’s side, marking their first taste of the post-season since 2008. However, their away form has been a major concern, with just one win in their last 14 Championship games on the road. Facing a rampant Leeds side in such red-hot form is perhaps the toughest assignment possible at this stage.
As it stands, all signs point to Leeds continuing their celebration tour with another strong performance in front of their home fans, while Bristol City will be hoping to at least put in a resilient display to keep their playoff dream alive. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Leeds United will once again be without Joe Rothwell, who continues to recover from a calf injury, while influential defender Pascal Struijk also remains sidelined with a foot problem. The absence of Struijk means that captain Ethan Ampadu is expected to continue partnering his international teammate Joe Rodon at the heart of the defence. Both players have formed a strong understanding throughout the campaign, and their stability will be vital as Leeds push to finish the season on a high.
Up front, Joel Piroe returned to form in the most spectacular fashion, ending a nine-game goal drought by netting four times in the thumping win over Stoke City. His remarkable performance not only reignited his season but also propelled him to the top of the Championship’s Golden Boot standings. His presence will be crucial once again as Leeds seek to add to their already impressive goal tally.
Teenage sensation Harry Gray, younger brother of Archie Gray, who left Leeds for Tottenham Hotspur last summer, made his senior debut against Stoke City and could find himself on the bench once more for this match. Daniel Farke has shown faith in the club’s emerging talent and may look to give the young striker more minutes if the situation allows.
In terms of formation, Daniel Farke is expected to stick with his preferred 4-2-3-1 setup. Karl Darlow will start in goal, protected by a back four comprising Jayden Bogle at right-back, Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu in central defence, and Junior Firpo on the left.
In midfield, Ilia Gruev and Ao Tanaka will operate as the double pivot, offering both protection and progression. Ahead of them, Wilfried Gnonto, Brenden Aaronson, and Manor Solomon will provide the creative spark behind central striker Joel Piroe, who will lead the line full of confidence following his heroics against Stoke.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Darlow; Bogle, Rodon, Ampadu, Firpo; Tanaka, Gruev; Gnonto, Aaronson, Solomon; Piroe
Bristol City will head to Elland Road facing a series of injury concerns that could impact their starting lineup. Left-back Cameron Pring is expected to miss the final two games of the season after suffering a hamstring injury during the loss to Luton Town. Midfielder Joe Williams is also doubtful due to a quad issue that has kept him sidelined in recent weeks.
In addition to these setbacks, Irish winger Mark Sykes remains out for the remainder of the campaign, depriving City of one of their creative outlets on the flanks. Scott Twine, who recently returned from injury, is still not fully fit and has only managed to feature for less than an hour across the last three matches, meaning he may once again be limited to a role from the bench.
Given these absences, manager Liam Manning is likely to rely heavily on the attacking duo of Nahki Wells and Anis Mehmeti. Wells has found the net 10 times in the league this season, while Mehmeti has contributed 12 goals, making them vital to City’s hopes of snatching a result at Elland Road.
Tactically, Bristol City are expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation. Max O’Leary will take his place between the posts, with George Tanner, Rob Dickie, and Zak Vyner forming the three-man defence.
Yu Hirakawa and Ross McCrorie will be deployed as the wing-backs, offering width and energy on either flank. In the central midfield pairing, Jason Paul Knight and Max Bird will be tasked with controlling the tempo of the game. George Earthy and Anis Mehmeti will operate just behind the central striker, Nahki Wells, who will lead the line as the primary goal threat.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): O’Leary; Tanner, Dickie, Vyner; Hirakawa, Bird, Knight, McCrorie; Earthy, Mehmeti; Wells
Leeds United are unbeaten in their last 10 league games against Bristol City (W8 D2), with their last defeat coming in September 2016.
Bristol City have lost eight of their last nine away league matches against Leeds, with their last win at Elland Road dating back to November 1979.
Leeds have scored 89 goals in the Championship this season — their second-highest tally ever in a single league campaign, only behind 98 goals in 1927/28.
Bristol City have won just one of their last 14 away league games (D7 L6), with that sole win coming against Millwall in March.
A win for Bristol City would secure their place in the Championship play-offs for the first time since the 2007/08 season, where they finished as runners-up to Hull City.
After enduring a frustrating nine-match drought without a goal, Joel Piroe exploded back into form with a sensational four-goal performance against Stoke City on Easter Monday, reaffirming why he has been considered one of the Championship’s deadliest finishers over the past two seasons. His devastating display not only secured Leeds United’s promotion to the Premier League but also catapulted him back to the top of the division’s Golden Boot race.
Throughout the campaign, Piroe’s intelligent movement, sharp instincts inside the box, and composed finishing have made him a constant menace for opposition defenders. His ability to drift between the lines, find pockets of space, and strike clinically with either foot means that he does not require many chances to change a game.
With Leeds still fighting to clinch the Championship title and possibly reach the 100-point mark, the pressure will be on Piroe to keep up his momentum and continue delivering in front of goal. His confidence will be sky-high after his recent heroics, and against a Bristol City side battling injuries at the back, Piroe could once again be the man to make the difference.
All eyes at Elland Road will be on the Dutchman, who seems determined to finish the season with a flourish, and perhaps seal personal silverware in the form of the league’s top scorer award.
It is difficult to look beyond a Leeds United victory here. Daniel Farke’s team have been ruthless at home, and with the added motivation of chasing the title and the 100-point landmark, expect the hosts to play with intensity and freedom.
Bristol City, despite their playoff ambitions, have looked shaky away from home, and their defensive vulnerabilities could be brutally exposed by Leeds’s fluid, multi-pronged attack. Leeds should continue their historic march toward silverware, while Bristol City may have to wait until the final day to seal their playoff place.
