Leeds United head to Vicarage Road on Friday night to take on mid-table Watford as they look to continue their fantastic form in 2024.
The Good Friday clash will see Watford’s Interim Manager Tom Cleverley take charge of his second consecutive game, having tasted victory over Birmingham before the international break.
Cleverley, who is still only 34, stepped into The Hornets’ hot seat following the sacking of Valerien Ismael at the start of the month, with the club falling out of the playoff race after a home defeat to Coventry.
The former Manchester United midfielder has hit the ground running since taking charge, with the two-week break for internationals allowing him the time to implement his principles ahead of the game with Leeds.
Tom Cleverley on facing Leeds United
After the win over Birmingham, Cleverley will be aiming to continue his dream start to life as a manager, but he recognises the form team in the country stands in his way of back-to-back wins.
“They are the current league leaders, that doesn’t mean there is a sense of inferiority from us at all, that’s the way I was as a player, and that’s the way I will be as a coach, and we will do everything we can to win the game,” Cleverley told watfordfc.com.
“They are doing brilliantly well, it’s a massive football club with a very successful manager in this league. We have to respect the challenge ahead.
“We’ve put a lot of work into being prepared for it and I’m sure it will be a special evening under the lights on Good Friday.”
Leeds United to continue fine form at Watford?
Leeds have picked up a staggering 13 wins from 14 games in 2024, acquiring 34 out of a possible 36 points on their way to the top of the Championship table.
Their fine form has seen them overhaul a 17-point gap on previous leaders Leicester City, but the race for promotion is still tight with Leeds only above the Foxes on goal difference and third-place Ipswich only one point adrift.
Another victory on Good Friday will be vital for Leeds and their promotion push, but it looks like a tricky game on paper with the appointment of Cleverley giving Watford that new manager bounce.
A quick start at Vicarage Road is pivotal for Daniel Farke’s side to dampen what will be a renewed atmosphere in Cleverley’s first home game, if they get that and take control of the game, it should be business as usual for Leeds.
