Big Match Breakdown: Swansea v Leeds
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Odds, tips, and preview for the Championship clash
Leeds United travel to South Wales to take on Swansea City and continue their perfect start under Marcelo Bielsa.
The second-place outfit have won three from three so far this term. And they’re playing a stylish, attacking game along with it.
The Swans are also unbeaten under their new coach, Graham Potter. And Potter’s side could even temporarily go top here if they manage a big win.
You can catch the action live from 7:45pm on Sky Sports Main Event. But the Coral News Team have you sorted with a Big Match Breakdown.
Head-to-Head
In terms of the head-to-head history, it’s not pleasant reading for Leeds fans. The Whites have won just three times at the Liberty Stadium from 15 attempts.
Swansea have won 10, with two draws in between. An interesting fact about this fixture is that the home side tends to come out on top. In 31 meetings, the side with home advantage have lost on just four occasions.
The two sides haven’t met since the 2010-11 Championship campaign. Swansea were victorious that day, winning 3-0.
Likely XIs
Don’t expect either manager to make too many changes here after good starts to both seasons.
Bielsa seems to have already settled on a favoured line-up, employing a fluid 4-1-4-1. Expect the likes of Pablo Hernandez, Samuel Saiz, and Mateusz Klich to be roaming behind Kemar Roofe up top.
For the Swans, Potter will be without Kristoffer Nordfeldt after the number one suffered a groin injury. Erwin Mulder is expect to take the gloves.
Leroy Fer is nearing full fitness and could start from the off. Wilfried Bony is the only long-term absentee.
Key Battles
This should be a fascinating, free-flowing encounter. Both sides play with a pulsating tempo and look to attack.
Potter will need to find a way to beat Leeds’ press. If the Swans can suck the opposition in and move it swiftly, Leeds will be open.
However, Bielsa’s swash-buckling side have taken the Championship by storm. And the Argentine will surely be targeting the Swans’ central defence, with just Potter able to call upon just one senior centre-half.
Leeds could try and pull the likes of Joe Rodon and Connor Robert out of position with intricate patterns, leaving the likes of Roofe and Saiz with plenty of space.
Match Odds
Despite their unbeaten start, Swansea are 21/10 outsiders tonight. Leeds are 27/20 favourites, with the Draw available at 12/5.
Leeds have managed two goals in all four of their games this season. They’re 11/10 to do so again here at the Liberty.
Kemar Roofe has scored three goals in as many games and will be dangerous again this evening. The former Oxford United forward is 8/5 to find the net Anytime.
For Swansea, Oliver McBurnie looks a real talent. The 22-year-old was born in Leeds and will be extra-keen to hit the onion bag tonight.
The Scotland international hit nine goals in 17 appearances on-loan for Barnsley last season. He’s 19/10 to notch Anytime here.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
