Three to watch | Leeds
Continuing our new feature for 2026/27, where we'll select three players from our opponents to keep a close eye on.
Next up, it's a trip to Elland Road to face Daniel Farke's Leeds United in the Premier League's early kick-off on Saturday (12.30pm UK).
James Trafford
A huge summer signing from Manchester City, Trafford stands 6ft 5ins and is a commanding presence, a great shot-stopper and the definition of a 'modern' goalkeeper - so comfortable with the ball at his feet. Like many goalkeepers, he's often the starting point with the ball from the back, although it can be a dangerous game - Trafford's misplaced pass led to Bournemouth's opener in a 2-0 loss last weekend, a game Leeds had the better of until that point.
Jayden Bogle
A key player in Farke's 3-4-2-1 system, Bogle is encouraged to fly forward from the right at every opportunity. As explained to us by The Athletic's Leeds correspondent, Beren Cross: "Bogle has almost got a free role when Leeds have the ball. He's been popping up on the left wing at times. Farke, in the right moments, has asked him to make those bizarre, unexpected runs that then asks a different question of the opposition defence."
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
That rare breed of 'old-fashioned centre forward', Calvert-Lewin was described by Roberto De Zerbi as one of the best headers of the ball in the Premier League in Friday's pre-match press conference. Such a handful physically, up for a scrap, Calvert-Lewin is so important to Leeds' system, as he holds the ball up to allow the likes of Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson to burst forward from the wings. He has four goals this season and might have had a fifth at Bournemouth, but his opener was ruled out for handball by VAR. Calvert-Lewis vs van de Ven/van Hecke should be quite a battle!