Friday night will see Leeds United face Burnley at Elland Road. The two sides were the main competitors in the Championship last season.
It was set to be another clash between Scott Parker and Daniel Farke, before the Burnley coach was sacked midweek. On Friday, interim boss Michael Jackson will be in the dugout for the Clarets. There seems to be not a lot to play for in this Burnley side, as they have already been relegated.
Leeds on the other hand come into this game needing a result, preferably a win. Three points could be enough to clinch their safety this weekend with three Premier League games left. And with their next two fixtures against Spurs and Brighton, getting the win at Elland Road on Friday night could define how the rest of their season goes.
Leeds star returns to face Burnley
Before the game, Daniel Farke hinted that the trio of Noah Okafor, Jaka Bijol and Gabriel Gudmundsson would be doubts. Gudmundsson’s injury was much more serious that with Okafor and Bijol.
The team news has been announced ahead of the game. Jayden Bogle is fit enough to start, as Jaka Bijol returns to the lineup. James Justin will fill in for Gabriel Gudmundsson at left wing back, and in a surprise change, Brenden Aaronson has dropped to the bench. In comes Anton Stach as Leeds are set to play a three-man midfield with Okafor and Calvert-Lewin up top.
Leeds United XI vs Burnley: Darlow; Bijol, Rodon, Struijk; Bogle, Tanaka, Stach , Ampadu, Justin; Okafor, Calvert-Lewin
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Captain Ampadu has already inspired the troops
Leeds need no other motivation ahead of the game, they are in front of their home crowd, and Farke has already warned them of complacency ahead of the game. During the week, Ethan Ampadu spoke to LUTV, and rallied the troops ahead of what could be a very important game for their future in the top flight.
“Friday night under lights at Elland Road is always a special atmosphere for us to play in. We want the fans to be themselves and be behind us as they always are.
“Be loud, make it a hostile place that teams do not want to come to and we are going to try and do our best to put that performance on the pitch.”
The Whites have 40 points ahead of Friday night’s clash, and 43 could be enough to see them in the top flight for another season.
