Saturday 15th May 12:30pm | Turf Moor
Leeds make the short trip across the Pennines to face a recently rejuvenated Burnley side, who have netted seven times in three games. The credit for the recent turnaround can mainly be attributed to a player Leeds fans know all too well. Chris Wood scored 41 times in 83 appearances for the Whites over a two year spell, before the lure of the Premiership got too much for the New Zealand International. Since signing for the Clarets four years ago Wood has been consistent, but has not set the World on fire - until now! The in form hit man has scored five times in the last three games, bringing his total for the season up to twelve, three less than Bamford. Those of us that remember Wood, know he is a striker who thrives on confidence. The Whites will need to very cautious of any Burley set pieces!
As we know, Bielsa does not like meddling with the team sheet unless he absolutely has to, let alone after destroying Spurs 3-1 last weekend. But Phillips and Raphinha will return to the starting eleven in place of Robin Koch who misses out and Tyler Roberts who drops to the bench. Rodrigo and Cooper make the bench. Helder Costa will miss the remaining games of the season season with a back injury sustained in a challenge with Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka last month. The ever reliable Stuart Dallas will start, thouoght it's not yeat clear whether out on the wing or in the middle of the park alongside a rejuvenated Mateusz Klich. Burnley defender Phil Bardsley is a definite injury absentee, while goalkeeper Nick Pope and midfielder Dale Stephens were assessed late on but will miss out. That means former Leeds United academy graduate Bailey Peacock Farrell will start in between the sticks for Burnley.
Last time out Leeds were one nil victors. Leeds took the lead after just 5 minutes when Nick Pope brought Patrick Bamford down for a penalty. Sean Dyche thought it was a controvetial descision but the striker was clearly taken out by Pope. There was further controvorsy 13 minutes later when Ashley Barnes appeared to capitalise on Illan Meslier's mistake to spin inside the area and fire the loose ball into an empty net. The 20-year-old Leeds goalkeeper was awarded a free-kick by referee Rob Jones, despite spilling the ball forward in what seemed like a fair aerial challenge with Ben Mee. But Leeds managed to hold on for the victory in a somewhat backs agains the wall performance. Let's hope we see the more familiar free-flowing Leeds United today!
Burnley could win four consecutive home league matches against Leeds for the first time. However, Leeds are vying to earn an unprecedented fourth straight top-flight victory in this fixture. Burnley could set an outright club record of nine consecutive top-flight home league games without a win. They last endured a nine-match winless league run at home in the third tier in 1998-99. Leeds have only lost one of their past eight league matches, winning four and drawing three. They are the only side yet to draw a Premier League away game this season and are on a nine-match away league run without a clean sheet. The Whites are one game away from equalling their club record of 24 consecutive away league games without a draw. Patrick Bamford could become the first Whites player since Peter Lorimer in the 1974-75 campaign to score home and away against Burnley.
