Leeds United vs. Derby County: Match Preview

Leeds United face Derby County at Elland Road on Saturday, with supporters eager for a return to winning ways and a chance to reclaim the top spot in the Championship after Burnley’s draw with Middlesbrough. The rivalry between the clubs has been intense, particularly after the ‘Spygate’ controversy and their dramatic 2018/19 Championship Play-off Semi-Final clash. Derby’s solitary victory in their last seven meetings with Leeds remains a rare achievement for them.Derby County, struggling with just one win in their last six matches, will have a tough task against a Leeds team that has been dominant at home, suffering only one league defeat this season. Leeds, along with Sheffield United, leads the form table, having won their last six consecutive home matches.

Derby’s hopes of an upset are further hindered by key absences, including Ebou Adams, who is suspended for accumulating five yellow cards, and injured players David Ozoh (hamstring/quad issue) and Ryan Nyambe (knee ligament damage).

Leeds’ main injury concern is Junior Firpo, who is working to regain fitness before the match.

Max Wober and Largie Ramazani are being carefully eased back into action, while Manor Solomon is pushing for a starting spot after being left out in last weekend’s 1-0 loss to Blackburn.

Ilea Gruev and Ethan Ampadu remain long-term absentees, with Joe Rothwell and AO Tanaka expected to step in again. However, there’s optimism surrounding Ampadu’s recovery, as he has returned to first-team training and hopes to make a return soon. Farke continues to favor Joe Piroe over Mateo Joseph, who has started on the bench in nine of his last ten appearances.

Joe Rodon and Wilfred Gnonto are both at risk of suspension, each with four yellow cards. If they avoid further bookings on Saturday, they will be clear of suspension until game-week 37, when the threshold for a ban rises to ten yellow cards.

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