Leeds United 1 Stoke City 0: Reaction and recap as Dan James fires Whites back to winning ways
and live on Freeview channel 276
Daniel Farke’s Whites dropped out of the division’s automatic promotion places and down to third place as Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Huddersfield Town was followed by a 2-0 triumph for Ipswich Town at Plymouth Argyle. Ipswich, who are now two points ahead of Leeds in second, host Bristol City this evening in an 8pm kick-off, starting 15 minutes after Leeds take on third-bottom Stoke.
Here, upon landing at LS11, we will bring you all of the pre-match build-up and starting line-ups before in-game updates and analysis followed by reaction. The 7.45pm kick-off is being broadcast via Sky Sports Red Button.
Leeds United 1 Stoke City 0 - reaction and recap
Key Events
- 7.45pm kick-off at Elland Road
- Three changes for Leeds as Byram, Roberts and James start
- Gray, Firpo and Gnonto drop to the bench
Three changes for Leeds then
Gray, Firpo and Gnonto come out of the side as Roberts, Byram and James start. A big call benching Archie Gray - even if he is due a rest - after Glen Kamara's display at Huddersfield but Farke keeps faith with the Gruev and Kamara axis. A full return from injury for Byram who replaces Firpo who has had calf issues. And a full home league debut for Roberts at right back, he could make a big difference.
The odds
To be expected but Leeds very short here, no bigger than 4-11 and as short as 3-10 with some firms. Stoke can be backed at 8-1. The draw is 9-2. You'd have to think that Archie has been rested with Friday in mind, 3 games in 7 days for the Whites and a rapid turnaround for Friday night's derby at Sheffield Wednesday.
Still second favourites
Leeds are still second favourites to win the division and thus fancied by the bookmakers to finish in the second automatic promotion spot despite sitting two points behind Ipswich with 11 games left, suspect they will need to win tonight to keep it that way though. All set at Elland Road.