Leeds United v Burnley - key battle, key man and the verdict ahead of Elland Road battle

Leeds United host Burnley at Elland Road on Sunday - but what could be the key the game in LS11? We take a look.
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Leeds United's back three v Burnley's front two

Leeds will swap to a back three against the Clarets should Sean Dyche stick to form and opt for his usual 4-4-2 formation. This will mean that Marcelo Bielsa will match up the visitors by going with a 3-3-1-3 at Elland Road.

Bielsa often chooses three central defenders against two out and out strikers so that he can match up man for man and have a spare player free in defence.

Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa. Pic: GettyLeeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa. Pic: Getty
Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa. Pic: Getty
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Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes have been the attackers of choice so far for the visitors and Leeds will need to keep the pair quiet if they are to find success in LS11.

Key man - Chris Wood

He is a man Leeds United fans know all too well.

The Whites Achilles heel this season has been defending set-pieces and Wood provides a huge threat for Burnley in that regard.

He is the Clarets top scorer on three goals this season, but will be the outlet they go to with Dyche targeting dead ball situations as the most likely route of finding the back of the net for his side.

He’s one to watch amid the aerial battles.

The verdict

We’ve seen this game many times play out before. Leeds United will see all of the ball and create a number of chances throughout the afternoon, but it will be down to their ability to take those that present themselves if they are to secure the points.

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Marcelo Bielsa’s side will have to be particularly wary of set-pieces against Burnley, and one thing they cannot afford to do yet again is allow the opposition an easy route into taking the lead which means they can shut up shop.

The first goal for Leeds, as always, will be vital.