Leeds United v Stoke City - star man, key battle and Graham Smyth's Verdict

Date: Thursday, July 8

Time: 5pm

Competition: Sky Bet Championship

Venue: Elland Road

Odds:

Leeds - 9/20

Draw - 10/3

Stoke - 13/2

LAST TIME AT ELLAND ROAD

Tuesday, August 27 2019 -EFL Cup

Leeds United 2-2 Stoke City (Nketiah, Costa)

KEY BATTLE

Kalvin Phillips v Nick Powell.

Powell featured on the wing for Michael O'Neill's side after the restart but was back in the middle of the three, in a 4-2-3-1 system, for Saturday's rout of Barmsley.

He was heavily involved in the Potters' attacking play, having more touches than every other player bar right-back Tommy Smith and winning more free-kicks than anyone else.

If he remains central it will be down to Kalvin Phillips to stop him, like he has many playmakers this season. The job he did on Tom Cairney of Fulham was a perfect example of how good Phillips is at nullifying creative players.

STOKE KEY MAN

Tyrese Campbell

The striker was used out wide on Saturday against Barnsley and shone, with two of Stoke's four goals.

O'Neill admitted the 20-year-old hadn't looked himself in the first few games after the restart, but believes the 'great finisher' can terrify defenders when he's in the mood that causes Barnsley so many problems.

"He was always a threat," said O'Neill.

"He did good work, he won the ball back, he pressed well and when Ty is in that mood defenders at this level are extremely frightened of him."

GRAHAM SMYTH'S VERDICT

The Championship is impossible to predict but Leeds United's display at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday was a step in the direction they want to travel. It wasn't vintage but it was better than good, in Marcelo Bielsa's words.

Stoke will be hard to break down but they will have to attack Leeds, they too need a win.

If the game opens up at all it will suit Leeds down to the ground. Expect a tight game, with the Potters sitting deep and picking and choosing when to counter attack. Expect a narrow home win.