Saturday sees Leeds United take on Bournemouth for the first time since the 4-1 defeat in 2023, that prompted the sacking of Javi Gracia and the resignation of Victor Orta.
The defeat at the Vitality, in which Patrick Bamford headed in a consolation goal from a Willy Gnonto cross, saw Angus Kinnear take drastic measures and hire Sam Allardyce for the final four matches.
Leeds were relegated and after two years in the Championship, Leeds are now back in the big time and welcome Bournemouth to Elland Road. The same fixture that saw Jesse Marsch’s side win 4-3 in 2022.
Since then, Tyler Adams and Luis Sinisterra have both moved to Bournemouth from Leeds. These days, Sinisterra is on loan at Brazilian side Cruzeiro while Adams is a key part of Andoni Iraola’s midfield.
Photo by George Wood/Getty ImagesWhat Tyler Adams said about Leeds fans after Elland Road exit
The USA skipper will now return to Elland Road for the first time since leaving Leeds for Bournemouth, a year into his Leeds stint. Adams will come up against Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff.
Speaking after his move to Bournemouth from Leeds, Adams gave his verdict on Leeds fans in 2024. He said that he didn’t care what Leeds fans think of him and when things are going badly, it’s bad.
“But when things aren’t going well…, it’s a team and a city built off hard work, it’s blue-collar. I resonate with those fans unbelievably well – to this day. Whether they say they hate me or not, I couldn’t care less.”
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty ImagesDaniel Farke’s record v Bournemouth and Leeds’ injury status
He hasn’t faced Bournemouth in four years, but Farke will certainly be hoping Leeds can replicate his last match against The Cherries, ending in a 6-0 win for Norwich City in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
The Leeds gaffer has a mixed record in his six outings against Bournemouth, winning two, drawing two and losing two. But Farke will be boosted by the return of Dan James, Willy Gnonto and Lucas Perri.
Whether any of them start, remains to be seen. Brenden Aaronson has coped well enough in James and Gnonto’s absence while Dom Matteo thinks Karl Darlow will start ahead of Perri. Jayden Bogle is out.