Garry Monk proud of Leeds United past but plotting fourth positive result against Marcelo Bielsa with Sheffield Wednesday

Monk guided Leeds to their highest Championship finish in six years as the Whites finished the 2016-17 campaign in seventh before Monk departed and eventually joined Middlesbrough.

But it has been at the former defender’s next two clubs where the former Whites boss has achieved strong results against Bielsa with Birmingham City completing the double over United last term and Leeds then held to a goalless draw at Monk’s current club Sheffield Wednesday back in October.

“Every match brings different methods of playing,” said Owls boss Monk.

“I have come up against their manager’s team three times - this will be the fourth.

“Of course, they are a very good side, that’s why they are top of the league.

"I have said it all along, the ambition of that club is clear, they have invested in the last couple of seasons - in their players and their squad.

“Last year, I said at the start, that was the year for them, now they have had another right go for it. They will be expecting (promotion) this year.

“Our job is focus on ourselves, and respect the strengths they have, and put a game plan in place to try and beat them.

“I think they are very similar to what they were last year. I think they would say themselves, they felt they should have done it last year and probably learned from that experience.

“Their aim is to be promoted this year, and they are on the right course. But in the three games I have had against them, we have managed to do quite well result-wise.”

Reflecting on his season at Leeds ahead of another return to Elland Road, Monk said: “I loved every moment I was there, I enjoyed it, I know what a huge and historic club it is.

"I am proud of my time there, I really enjoyed it. But it’s not about me, it’s about the team. You move on.”