Leeds United play their third game in six days when they welcome Watford to Elland Road. Leeds are still yet to win at home in the league and have struggled to break down sides that have come to Elland Road and set up in a deep block.
United were left somewhat frustrated again after their midweek fixture against Hull, ruing their missed chances before Joe Rodon’s dismissal. However they could count themselves lucky to not be on the end of a 1-0 defeat after Traore missed an open goal to win the game for Hull late on.
Leeds manager Daniel Farke said he does not feel a heightened sense of expectation to win at home this Saturday now that a chaotic summer transfer window is behind him.
“Everyone wants us to win the home games, each and every game there is pressure and the biggest pressure is from ourselves because we want to be successful and we are on a good path at the moment. We have a good shape, we show good performances, also eight points out of the last four games is really good regarding that there were three unbelievably difficult away games included but I could do with a home win, definitely.
Elland Road will be a fortress during whole season, we’ll win many games at home but we haven’t done so far and you could argue we are struggling at home but I don’t think so, we have also not lost at home and performance wise we’re quite dominant.”
Watford have not won away from home in their last eleven games but Farke thinks Valerien Ismael’s side have some attributes that suit playing away from home.
“Watford is traditionally a really good counter attacking side they have always really good offensive players, talented players, players with pace, with quality on the wings and I think normally it suits them to play on the road because they like to play out of a deeper position.
It is definitely also one of the teams who will look to be in the top six when next May comes, so I’m quite respectful and know there’s quality all over the pitch, experienced coach and for that we have to be at our top level in order to win some points.” Farke said.
Leeds will be without the suspended Joe Rodon who has impressed so far since joining on loan from Tottenham as well as winger Willy Gnonto who picked up an ankle injury in the Hull game.
This could provide Jaidon Anthony with an opportunity to make his first start for the club as Leeds are forced to make changes.