Leeds will fancy their chances of beating Liverpool this weekend, with their formation already leaving Pep Guardiola “rattled” this season.
The Reds could only draw 1-1 at home to Sunderland on Wednesday, with a trip to fellow newly-promoted side Leeds up next on Saturday evening.
Daniel Farke is under pressure to keep his job with the Whites, but the midweek 3-1 win at home to Chelsea was a big shot in the arm.
With kick-off getting closer, we spoke to Leeds fan and journalist Charlie Smith (@CharlieSmith118) to preview a huge game for both sides at Elland Road.
How happy are you with Leeds’ start to the season?
Performance-wise, the beginning of the season has been as good as we could’ve hoped for, aside from a handful of disappointing displays.
We haven’t been rolled over on too many occasions, but dropping four points in stoppage time against Fulham and Bournemouth during September was a killer.
What’s your stance on Daniel Farke’s future?
After Wednesday night’s display and result, Daniel Farke looks to have bought himself some more time and could now remain in charge of Leeds heading into 2026.
Credit to him for making the tactical change at half-time against Man City.
Without that, he could’ve been gone by now!
Which three players have stood out most this season? Anyone struggled?
Joe Rodon has arguably been our most consistent player for two-and-a-half years and has now made 100 consecutive league or playoff starts.
He quietly goes about his business and has remained solid in the Premier League.
Left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson has shown signs of promise, especially going forward, and at £10 million, looks to be a shrewd addition.
On the other side, Jayden Bogle has impressed and looks to have taken his Championship form into the top-flight.
Both full-backs love to get forward and appear to be ideal in a 3-5-2 system.
But we’ve struggled in the final third and desperately need to strengthen in the new year if we are to remain a Premier League side in 2026/27.
What’s the aim for the season now?
The aim has always been to finish 17th.
Whether or not we can remains to be seen, and the January transfer window could be crucial.
What do you make of Liverpool and would you stick with Arne Slot?
I’ve been massively surprised by the drop-off this season after a brilliant start to the campaign in regards to results.
Arne Slot was linked with Leeds in February 2023, so if Liverpool decide to sack him, he could be welcome at Elland Road!
Where will Liverpool finish?
Even though Liverpool have already lost two more Premier League games this season than the entirety of the 2024/25 campaign, I’d still back them to finish in the top four.
Where will the key battles take place on Saturday?
I’d probably say out wide and in midfield.
We will surely now stick with the 3-5-2 system that had Pep Guardiola rattled and Chelsea beaten at Elland Road.
Leeds’ best chance will be to continue to go direct towards a front two of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha, something which should keep Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate busy.
Finally, what’s your prediction?
I honestly wouldn’t be surprised by any result this weekend.
Every Leeds fan would’ve taken four points from six against Chelsea and Liverpool.
I will go for 1-1.