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It has been a steady start to the season for Leeds, who have recognised the need to get points on the board early given their relatively friendly opening fixtures and followed it up with a win over Wolves and a point at Southampton.
The two points dropped from 2-0 up at St Mary’s could be cause for regret later in the season for Jesse Marsch’s side – his game management in particular has been called into question – but there remains optimism around Elland Road that they are in a much better place than last season, with new members of the squad impressing and the likes of Jack Harrison and Rodrigo flying out of the blocks, establishing themselves as key players despite a change in system.
Much still hinges on the fitness of Patrick Bamford and the lack of a genuine alternative – Joe Gelhardt has also been struggling with injury – but if he is to pass a fitness test after limping off against Southampton, Marsch and Leeds supporters will back the players to give one of their old rivals a much tougher afternoon than the one they experienced in May, when the Blues ran out 3-0 winners/.
Mason Mount continued his fine form at Elland Road – he was a key antagonist in Derby’s dramatic 4-2 play-off win in 2019 – in that outing with an early goal as Chelsea ran riot and Dan James was sent off for a reckless tackle, and there will be a sense of dread among Leeds fans that the midfielder will return to haunt them on Sunday.
Thomas Tuchel will be absent from the touchline after his bust-up with Antonio Conte and subsequent red card, but his players should have enough about them to overcome Marsch’s side.
The 2-2 draw against Tottenham highlighted a few key areas within the squad that Tuchel is keen to strengthen, while the injury to Ngolo Kante could cost them in the long-term this season, but they still have more than enough quality to seriously compete at the top of the league.
