Ben & Rob’s preview - Leeds United

Elland Road awaits for Saturday’s early kick-off (12.30pm) - here, N17 presenter Ben Haines and Club commentator Rob Daly give their views on Leeds United…

Ben Haines

“Well that was quite the come down! It was a rough evening for Antonio Conte and the boys as we fell to a 1-0 defeat in rough conditions at Burnley on Wednesday night. It wasn't out of the blue though. We know how hard Burnley are to break down and how they set up with their two banks of four to make the game rough, attritional and very stop start.

"I don't feel that we deserved to lose but that's the nature of the Premier League at the moment! Having said all of that, I really hope this game against Leeds is incredibly open and a bit of a ding-dong. Right now, that type of game seems to suit us down to the ground. An issue we have faced is opening teams up and really being able to pick apart stubborn defences. I actually think, in some senses, a game like our recent trip to Manchester City is almost preferable to a game like Wednesday's against Burnley as we're able to use all of our strengths on the counter attack.

"That might be the case this Saturday lunchtime given the way Leeds performed at home against Manchester United last week. They started without Raphinha, which was an interesting choice. He then came on and was brilliant so I'm not sure I can see him sitting on the bench this weekend. For all their outstanding attacking in the second half last weekend, they left holes at the back and you'd hope our front three will be able to exploit that. Fingers crossed the boys go out and do the business and start to build a bit of momentum again for the end of the season.”

Rob Daly

Rob: “Leeds are in a tough spell at the moment. They’ve been losing games and have conceded 16 in their last four in the Premier League - including the 6-0 thrashing at Liverpool this week. Their woes are understandable. Their small squad has suffered with injuries to vital players - Patrick Bamford, Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper have all had spells out.

"I covered their recent 3-0 loss to Everton and their opponents were so intense from the off, blowing them away in the first half. They have played four at the back mainly this season - and the use of Daniel James as a striker has been a major talking point amongst Leeds fans. The tactic was perfectly deployed in a 3-3 draw at Villa recently. James stretched them with his tireless running and scored twice, but it is clear Bamford as a focal point is sorely missed.

"I think Raphinha is an extraordinary talent - it’s hard not to love his work off the ball as well as his skill, pace and ability to finish difficult chances. I’m also surprised Joe Gelhardt hasn’t seen a bit more action. Every time I’ve seen the young striker player, he’s impressed me, including his start against Spurs back in November. He reminds me, in playing style at least, of Michael Owen.

"Also, can Harry Kane escape any attempts from Leeds to man-mark him? If so, I can see him carving out the kind of passes and link-up play he produced against Man City. Although, Wednesday's defeat at Burnley was an example of what can happen if Spurs aren’t fully at it. Elland Road will be up for it.”