Leeds United are set to take on Plymouth Argyle next Saturday, but Wayne Rooney’s squad are already facing a setback that could impact their chances of a good result at Elland Road. Additionally, the Whites will encounter a poor defense, according to the stats.
After enjoying two straight home wins following the FIFA international break, Leeds United struggled to find the back of the net, settling for a scoreless draw against Bristol City this past Saturday at Ashton Gate Stadium.
Leeds United recently recorded a 2-0 victory over Sheffield United and followed it up with a 2-1 win against Watford at Elland Road before the disappointing result this past weekend. On the other hand, Plymouth Argyle comes into this match after a thrilling 3-3 draw with Preston, and they’ll be looking to keep their attacking momentum going against Leeds United.
Plymouth Argyle will bring a lousy defense to Elland Road
The Yorkshire Post highlighted key defensive stats that should make Leeds United supporters expecting a win on Saturday.
“The south-west club have recorded the highest xGC (Expected Goals Conceded) in the Championship this season, as well as conceding the most shots (212), most shots on target (74) and most fast-break shots (17), which should be music to Daniel Farke’s ears,” the outlet noted.
“It is not simply shots, in volume and quality, that Plymouth are conceding either – it’s goals, too. Their 22 concessions in 12 matches is second only to Portsmouth, whilst they’ve conceded the highest percentage of shots from inside the box with 77.36% of their opponents’ attempts coming from inside Argyle’s penalty area.
“It is in Plymouth’s box where opposing teams have enjoyed 434 touches of the ball, as well, which given the previously-disclosed statistics, is perhaps unsurprisingly the most in the division, and by some margin at that.”
To make matters worse, defender Lewis Gibson is likely to miss Plymouth Argyle’s upcoming away game against Leeds United on Saturday due to a thigh injury that kept him out of their 3-3 draw with Preston North End at Home Park.
Gibson had been a key player, featuring in every minute of Plymouth’s first 11 Championship matches and standing out as one of their most consistent performers. He sustained the injury during last Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to Millwall, and although he finished that match, he wasn’t fit to play against Preston.
