Sheff Utdvs.Leeds

Leeds will head into the highly-anticipated fixture in pole position in the promotion race, while the Blades are sitting just two points behind in second place in the Championship table.

Match preview

Sheffield United boast a 100% record in February after winning each of their last four matches since suffering a heavy 3-0 home defeat against Hull City in January.

After recording an away win over Derby County, the Blades went on to clinch consecutive home victories against Portsmouth and Middlesbrough, before they got the better of Luton Town in last Saturday's trip to Kenilworth Road.

Chris Wilder's side were rewarded for their patience against the Hatters, with Anel Ahmedhodzic scoring the game's only goal in the 79th minute to seal a third consecutive head-to-head victory.

That result ensured Sheffield United finished matchday 33 with a five-point buffer to Burnley in third position, only to see that gap reduced to two points following the Clarets' 4-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday on Friday.

Sheffield United will be aware of the tough test that awaits them on Monday, but they can take confidence from the fact they boast a strong record at Bramall Lane, with their 16 home league games producing 14 wins, two draws and two defeats.

The hosts will also know that they will move to the top of the Championship table if they can beat Leeds for the first time since recording a 1-0 away victory March 2019.

Leeds are sitting top of the standings after winning 21, drawing nine and losing just three of their 33 Championship matches this season.

Daniel Farke's side have put together a 15-game unbeaten league run since they lost to Blackburn Rovers at the end of November, including victories in each of their last four Championship encounters.

The Championship leaders kicked off their winning run with an emphatic 7-0 win over Cardiff City, before they recorded back-to-back away league victories without conceding against Coventry City and Watford.

They then completed a dramatic late turnaround in Monday's crucial home fixture against fourth-placed Sunderland, with Pascal Struijk netting a 78th-minute equaliser before going on to net a stoppage-time winner to seal a 13th win in 14 Championship home matches.

Leeds are comfortably the Championship's highest scorers with a whopping 68 goals in 33 matches, while they also boast the second-best defensive record with just 20 goals conceded.

They showcased both of those strengths in their 2-0 victory over Sheffield United in October, and they will head into Monday's fixture with hopes of recording a fourth consecutive win against the Blades.

Sheffield United Championship form:

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Leeds United Championship form:

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Leeds United form (all competitions):

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Team News

Sheffield United remain without long-term absentee Oliver Arblaster, who is working on his rehabilitation from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Wilder has revealed that he will give Gustavo Hamer, Kieffer Moore and Tom Cannon every chance to prove their fitness for Monday's fixture.

Full-back Harrison Burrows and attacking midfielder Callum O'Hare are both pushing for recalls after dropping down to the bench against Luton.

Meanwhile, Leeds are unable to call upon midfielder Max Wober and forward Patrick Bamford due to knee and hamstring injuries respectively.

The visitors will also have to assess Manor Solomon's fitness after the winger picked up a knock in Monday's win over Sunderland.

Largie Ramazani could start if Solomon fails to recover in time, while Struijk could come in to partner Joe Rodon in central defence which would allow Ethan Ampadu to move into midfield.

Sheffield United possible starting lineup:

Cooper; Clarke, Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Burrows; Vini Souza, Choudhury; Rak-Sakyi, O'Hare, Brereton Diaz; Campbell

Leeds United possible starting lineup:

Meslier; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Firpo; Ampadu, Tanaka; James, Aaronson, Ramazani; Piroe

We say: Sheffield United 1-2 Leeds United

Both teams will be full of confidence after winning each of their last four Championship matches, and with the two sides separated by just two points separating the sides, Monday's clash promises to be a close-fought affair.

Written by

Ben Sully

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