Sheffield United vs Leeds Predictions

• Leeds have won six of their last seven games, scoring 18 goals and conceding once
• Sheffield United have lost three of their four clashes with the top four, conceding twice in each defeat
• The visitors have won 17 of their previous 24 league games, outscoring opponents 53-13 in that stretch

Farke’s side out to send a message

Monday’s Championship clash is a huge one, as second-placed Sheffield United host leaders Leeds with just two points splitting the sides. While the game is set up to be a decisive one, this looks set to be the night where Daniel Farke’s visitors really put themselves clear of the rest of the division.

Leeds won just four of their first nine Championship matches, but they’ve won 17 of 24 since. In that time they’ve scored 53 goals and conceded only 13, earning five points more than any other side in the division.

That dominance chimes with their underlying numbers. Leeds have an Expected Goals tally of 63.2, no other side generated more than 50 heading into the weekend. At the other end of the pitch, Leeds have a better xG Against than record-setting Burnley, with their 20.7 xGA the lowest in the division.

Farke’s side have clicked into gear ahead of this trip, winning six of their last seven matches. They’ve scored 18 times and conceded once in that run, winning the xG battle in every game.

Leeds enter this clash odds-on for the victory but there’s reason to believe this will be a comfortable win. Sheffield United have lost five times this season in the league, including three defeats in four meetings with the top four.

The Blades lost 2-0 at Leeds and they were only on the scoresheet in a 2-1 loss at Sunderland thanks to a Luke O’Nien own-goal. Burnley and Hull have both won at Bramall Lane by two clear goals across the hosts’ previous six home league games.

The Blades have hit a shaky spell in terms of performances, which comes at a time when their squad is dealing with a number of injuries. Those issues have pushed Leeds’ price a little too far here, so the real value lies with a resounding away win which puts the leaders further clear at the top of the table.