Leeds United returned to the top of the Championship on Sunday after winning their exhilarating match against Birmingham City 5-4, while West Bromwich Albion lost to Middlesbrough at home.
The two sides, who lead the rest of the pack, face each other for the second time this season on New Year’s day at The Hawthorns.
In their last meeting, Leeds narrowly pipped West Brom 1-0 at Elland Road. Both teams are on level on points after 25 games, but the Whites lead the Championship table on goal difference.
Ahead of this crucial top-of-the-table tie, let’s take a look at the 3 key battles when these two sides meet on Wednesday:
#1 Jack Harrison vs Darnell Furlong
Leeds United left midfielder Jack Harrison was in tremendous form last time around against Birmingham, being a menace to the Birmingham defence.
His work-rate, determination, and dribbling could worry the West Bromwich Albion backline, especially right-back Darnell Furlong.
Furlong is a strong player who is good in the air, but his tackling is not the best. Harrison’s running could trouble Furlong on Wednesday.
#2 Matheus Pereira vs Kalvin Phillips
Matheus Pereira has been West Brom’s player of the season so far, scoring 5 times and creating 10 assists in the Championship this season.
The 23-year-old is on-loan from Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon, and he has made a big impact in the Championship. West Brom manager Slaven Bilić has changed to a system that plays two strikers in recent games, which hasn’t quite worked for them. That means he could revert to a sole striker system, where Pereira plays as the No. 10.
Pereira’s passing and movement – with and without the ball – has to be closely looked at by Leeds defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who will play as the deepest midfielder.
#3 Matt Phillips vs Ezgjan Alioski
West Brom winger Matt Phillips has also had a good season so far, consistently popping up with goals and assists.
The experienced wide man will have his task cut out against Leeds’ 3-3-3-1 formation, where he may not have a lot of space to operate in.
He could face up with Leeds full-back/wing-back Ezgjan Alioski, who plays on the left side and has been a threat going forward.
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