The 10 most clinical Championship strikers as Leeds United-linked stars show what Whites are missing

Finishing has been a regular theme of discussion for Leeds United fans this season, with Marcelo Bielsa's side tending to create a large quantity of chances in each league game, but failing to convert the majority of them.

The Whites aren't as clinical as some of their opponents, and if they could keep up with their expected goals (XG) tally, they would be the runaway league leaders.

We used Wyscout data to determine who the best finishers in the Championship are - that is to say, the players who have overperformed their XG the most. The results are somewhat surprising, with some of the league's best strikers failing to make the cut. Check out our list of the Championship's sharpest shooters below:

10. Daniel Johnson, Preston North End - Expected goals: 6.98 Goals this season: 10 Difference: +3.02

Preston North End have the best home league record in the division, and Johnson is a big part of that. The lively forward brings energy to a Preston frontline that can be workmanlike at times, and has ten league goals so far this season.

9. Jarrod Bowen, Hull City - Expected goals: 12.95 Goals this season: 16 Difference: +3.05

Bowen was in lethal form in the first half of the season, racking up 16 league goals by January to earn himself a Premier League move to West Ham United. It's little wonder that Hull City have struggled since his departure.

8. Macauley Bonne, Charlton Athletic - Expected goals: 3.63 Goals this season: 7 Difference: +3.37

Leeds United fans will remember Bonne as the goalscorer when the Whites fell to a 1-0 defeat at The Valley earlier this season. He has managed to score seven league goals despite receiving very little service this season.

7. Lyle Taylor, Charlton Athletic - Expected goals: 7.56 Goals this season: 11 Difference: +3.54

Taylor has suffered with injury problems this season, but has been clinical when he has featured for Lee Bowyer’s side. A predatory finish against Luton Town last Saturday showcased his talent.

6. Cauley Woodrow, Barnsley - Expected goals: 10.4 Goals this season: 14 Difference: +3.6

Woodrow was reportedly a target for Leeds United in January, and it is easy to see why - his goals have been vital in Barnsley’s revival. If he continues to overperform his XG, he could well fire the Tykes away from the relegation scrap.

5. Adam Armstrong, Blackburn Rovers - Expected goals: 7.11 Goals this season: 11 Difference: +3.89

In the absence of Bradley Dack, Armstrong has stepped up admirably for Blackburn Rovers, racking up the goals and assists in recent weeks to fire Rovers within touching distance of the play-off places. Leeds fans can thank him for his two goals at Griffin Park last week, that held Brentford to a draw.

4. Bradley Dack, Blackburn Rovers - Expected goals: 4.91 Goals this season: 9 Difference: +4.09

It’s a good thing Armstrong has stepped up for Blackburn, as Dack’s form earlier in the season was exceptional. In the opening months Dack was so often the creative inspiration for Tony Mowbray’s side, and almost doubled his expected goals total before being ruled out by a horror injury in December.

3. Bryan Mbuemo, Brentford - Expected goals: 7.62 Goals this season: 12 Difference: +4.38

Benrahma and Watkins may get most of the headlines, but Mbuemo has made a huge difference to Brentford’s season, with a healthy 12 goal haul from an XG of only 7.62.

2. Nakhi Wells, Bristol City - Expected goals: 8.61 Goals this season: 14 Difference: +5.39

Most of Wells’ goals came whilst on-loan at QPR earlier in the season, including a controversial winner against Leeds United in January. A record of 14 league goals is mightily impressive considering he has spent most of the season playing for a mid-table side.

1. Ollie Watkins, Brentford - Expected goals: 16.46, Goals this season: 22, Difference: +5.54

One third of Brentford’s ‘BMW’, Watkins is taking full advantage of the plentiful chances that the Bees are creating. Not only is he finishing the chances he is expected to, Watkins - once linked with a move to Leeds back in 2017 - is also scoring goals out of nothing , with his stunning touch and volley against Blackburn Rovers at the weekend as an example.