Leeds United 1-0 Watford - LIVE BLOG: Marcelo Bielsa post-match reaction from Elland Road

Leeds United take on Watford in the Premier League at Elland Road.Leeds United take on Watford in the Premier League at Elland Road.
Leeds United take on Watford in the Premier League at Elland Road.
Leeds United host Watford in the Premier League at Elland Road this afternoon as the Whites search for a first victory of the season.

Marcelo Bielsa will be hoping the visit of the Hornets to LS11 can bring his side three points ahead of the upcoming October international break.

Leeds are yet to come away from a league encounter victorious since the summer break and will try again at the seventh attempt today.

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United have been hit by a number of injuries in recent weeks, which saw Charlie Cresswell handed his Premier League debut last weekend in the loss to West Ham, though have earned three draws this term.

Bielsa's men do sit in the early season relegation zone but will be hoping they can kickstart the campaign against Xisco Munoz's side in front of another sold out Elland Road stadium.

Follow all the latest on our live blog this afternoon:

Leeds United v Watford - LIVE

Key Events

  • Leeds United host Watford in the Premier League
  • Whites searching for first win of season
  • United host Hornets at 3pm
  • Kick-off is at 3pm
  • FT: Leeds United 1-0 Watford (Llorente 18’)

Shackleton ahead of kick-off this afternoon

One change for Leeds

Diego Llorente comes into the side this afternoon for Charlie Cresswell on his return from injury.

United have Pascal Struijk back on the bench also after his three-match ban was completed last weekend.

There’s no place for Crysencio Summerville in the squad while the likes of Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood are with Bielsa’s outfit this afternoon.

It’s a young bench for the Whites.

Both sets of team news will be announced at 2pm - we’re eagerly awaiting to see what Marcelo Bielsa does this afternoon with his line-up.

We’ll have it right here when it’s announced.

Leeds arrive at Elland Road

Players arriving at Elland Road

Both sets of players have been out very briefly at Elland Road - it’s hammering down in LS11 so not many of them are hanging about, straight back into the dressing room.

Cooper’s programme notes

“I think everyone acknowledges we’ve had a tough start to the season in terms of fixtures, with us having played four teams who occupy the top seven places, in our first six matches.

“Last season we managed to beat the teams who finished around and below us and it’s important we continue that trend again this season, especially on home soil.

“We’re confident we can do that again and now we have to prove it on the pitch.

“We’ve had a really good week of training at Thorp Arch and we’re all really looking forward to today’s game with Watford.

“First and foremost we want to win the game.

“We know Watford will come here and try to cause problems but, as always, we will focus on ourselves.

“We know if we reach the levels we’re capable of, we can get three points today.”

Bielsa’s programme notes

“Today against Watford it is our objective to get our first Premier League victory of the season. Like ourselves, Watford have lost three times in the league.

“However, they have recorded impressive wins against Aston Villa and Norwich City.

“They have a number of experienced players who have spent the majority of their careers playing in the Premier League and know what it takes to win matches at this level.

“It is clear that today’s game is important for both sides and it is vital we end our negative cycle.”

What Xisco Munoz has said

“I know exactly what is the style of Marcelo and I’m sure we will try to give a very good performance,” Munoz told his pre-match press conference.

“The last time I saw him was when we met in the Premier League meetings. But we always know about him because he’s a big manager in the world and he has a different style, he has different things.

“We know we’re not perfect. I love my players because they are working very hard, and they want to improve and this is perfect. We need a strong mentality and to be strong physically, and also it’s important, we are focused 100 per cent on all the actions in the game. And we know what we want.”

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