All guns blazing at Elland Road

Leeds host Sheffield Wednesday in the Yorkshire derby in the late kick-off on Saturday and it could be a classic.

You win some, you lose some

After going unbeaten in their opening eight games and then winning seven in a row from late November through December the team have been a little more inconsistent of late.

Bielsa’s side suffered shock defeats to Birmingham and Sheffield United, the latter of which was perhaps not such a big surprise if you’re a follower of the Blades, in the last four games and has seen their hold on second fall to just a single point.

There is no need to panic but this game now has a lot more riding on it than it probably should.

Sheffield Wednesday have been motoring along nicely, losing just once in 14 in the league but that defeat, at home to Villa, could be quite damaging to their faint play-off hopes.

The Owls have seen themselves pull within six points of the top six yet with matches running out they may have left it too late.

Steve Bruce is no stranger to Elland Road as both a player and a manager. He will be well aware of the challenges his side face against a very good Leeds outfit but has instilled belief in the Owls and will be confident of getting a result.

Interestingly, this will be Steve Bruce’s eighth league managerial visit to Elland Road, facing a different Leeds manager each time (Venables, Reid, Carver, Warnock, Evans, Monk, Christiansen, Bielsa).

The best form of defence

There is no better way to defend other than by keeping the ball in the opposition’s half. Both these sides have been much better going forward over the last few games regularly scoring three or more in several games.

Patrick Bamford’s form for the Whites has been excellent since the turn of the year. The striker has netted seven times in 2019, more than any other Leeds player.

Sheffield Wednesday striker Gary Hooper may have had a tough season with injuries but he has scored seven league goals in eight games against Leeds United, more than he has scored against any other team. If Bruce is willing to throw him into the action then the striker will certainly offer a threat.

Only wins will do

At this stage of the season, there is so much at stake that games can often be cagey and tense but I just don’t see this being one of those games.

Sheffield Wednesday know that only wins will give them any chance of reaching the play-offs while Leeds have Sheffield United breathing down their necks. Neither side will want to give any ground which is just as well given that neither side can afford to.

Betting tip

With Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday needing the points to achieve their respective goals it is hard to see this being a game without action. In fact, I see both sides really going for it so backing there to be over 3.5 goals at odds of 23/10 should be under serious consideration in this one.

Bet Over 3.5 goals on Paddy Power