Championship title hopefuls Leeds United will face off against Stoke City in a league game at Elland Road on Thursday. The Whites enter the contest in second place on the standings and two points behind leaders West Brom, having played a game less than the Baggies.
A win will take Marcelo Bielsa’s side back to the summit of the standings. However, a defeat or a draw could give Slaven Bilic’s side a psychological advantage in the title race.
Bielsa’s side enters the game against the Potters in relatively good form as they have won two out of their previous three league games. Stoke has struggled for form throughout the season and is currently outside the relegation zone by just one point.
Even though Leeds are a better side, they can’t take Stoke for granted. The Potters are now managed by experienced tactician Martin O’ Neill. They will also enter the contest in high spirits after overcoming Barnsley 4-0 in their previous game.
Helder Costa and Stuart Dallas could be set to return to the Whites starting line-up after missing last weekend’s clash against Blackburn Rovers through injury, according to the club’s official website.
Leeds won the reverse fixture 3-0 in August, with Dallas memorably scoring a stunning goal during the game. Bielsa’s side can ill-afford to slip up at this point of the campaign. They are just three points ahead of third-place Brentford. The Championship title race is wide open this season and a shock defeat to Stoke could leave them on the verge of losing their automatic promotion spot.
