Leeds United defender Jaka Bijol is likely to be in the starting eleven when Leeds United host Crystal Palace at Elland Road in a big Premier League clash on Saturday night.
Bijol’s form has been up and down in recent weeks. However, with Leeds likely to play three at the back, the Slovenian is expected to be in the starting eleven this weekend.
Leeds have picked up five points from their last three Premier League games, and will look to keep their home form going when Palace visit Elland Road on Saturday.
The Eagles are dealing with injury issues and fatigue. However, Bijol has identified the key threat that could be the difference between the two teams.
Leeds United and Jaka Bijol are wary of Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta
Mateta has had a few minor injuries, and Palace are having to manage his minutes in the last couple of weeks to get the best out of him.
The Frenchman is almost certain to start against Leeds, which means he won’t be in the starting eleven tonight in Palace’s Europa Conference League clash.
His form over the last two seasons has made him one of the best strikers in the Premier League, and Bijol is more than aware of the threat ahead of him.
The Leeds defender conceded that he is a fantastic striker, and Leeds as a team will have to find a way to deal with him
“He is having two great seasons”, Bijol told BBC Radio Leeds.
“He is a big and strong guy and is a very good player, like everyone else in the Premier League.
“He is a very good striker, so we will have to be ready as a team for them, and it’s on us to do our jobs.”
Mateta has been on fire at Palace
Mateta has been one of the best strikers in the Premier League over the last 18 months, and remains Palace’s chief goal threat this season.
He scored 17 goals in all competitions last season, including in the FA Cup semi-final as Palace went on to lift the major trophy in the club’s history.
Mateta has already scored seven times in the Premier League this season, and will be his team’s biggest attacking threat at Elland Road on Saturday night.
| Competition | Games Played | Goals Scored | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 16 | 7 | 1,306 |
| UEFA Conference League | 4 | 0 | 283 |
| UECL Qualifiers | 2 | 1 | 180 |
| EFL Cup | 2 | 0 | 135 |
| Community Shield | 1 | 1 | 90 |
| Total | 25 | 9 | 1,994 |
Leeds have been scoring more goals in recent weeks. However, they are shipping a lot more at the other end, with Leeds conceding eight goals in the last four league games.
Palace are fifth in the league table, and despite their injury issues, they are not going to be any pushovers for Leeds, even at home.
With Mateta in their line-up, Palace have the striker to take advantage of any defensive frailties Leeds have put on display this weekend.
