View from the Opposition

‘A very interesting clash of styles’ – Leeds United v Wolves: View from the Opposition

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It’s a return to Premier League football for Leeds United on Monday evening, with Wolves visiting Elland Road.

Leeds have enjoyed a good start to the season and have seven points on the board. Similarly, Wolves’ opening four games have been steady and they have two wins.

Ahead of their visit to Elland Road, we caught up with Wolves fan Chris Gallagher. He offered us the inside track on Nuno Santo’s side.

1) Firstly, let’s talk about Wolves’ start to the season, it’s been a bit of a mixed bag. What have you made of it? Happy enough or is there work to be done?

In terms of points on the board, we’ve done pretty well. However, it’s a different story with performances. Aside from the first 25 minutes at Bramall Lane and a brief fight back against Manchester City, we have been unconvincing and the 4-0 loss at West Ham was undoubtedly the worst performance of Nuno’s reign. Last time out against Fulham was just dull but we got the win.

Nuno is trying to change the style of play as he looks to build a team can control games and not rely entirely on the counter-attack.

Obviously this is going to take time and even though it hasn’t clicked yet, we had a very short pre-season following reaching the Europa League quarter-final, so it may be understandable.

2) Let’s move onto the dangers that Nuno’s side pose, what is it that Leeds need to look out for? Who do they need to shutdown early on to have a chance?

He may not start but it has to be Adama Traore given the way Leeds set-up because of his pace.

Whites’ fans will know all about him and he is genuinely unstoppable in a one on one, whilst his end product has improved significantly now. West Ham had three around him at all times and he’s usually always doubled up on, so it will be interesting to see what Bielsa does as I can’t imagine he will be that defensive.

Away from the obvious in Raul Jimenez, Pedro Neto’s emergence means many fans weren’t overly fussed at Diogo Jota’s sale, so he could be one to watch this season and newly-capped Portuguese international Daniel Podence offers us something different in the final third. 

Individually I could name six or seven players who have the talent to make a difference but it hasn’t really clicked just yet for the team as a whole. Ruben Neves has struggled for form this season and Joao Moutinho and Willy Boly, both usually key, have dropped below their high standards for a fair few months now.

3) I know you’ve seen a lot of Leeds under Marcelo Bielsa, how highly do you rate what he’s done with the side at Elland Road?

He’s brilliant. I have loved watching his teams over the years and like many I will always remember the way his Athletic Bilbao side battered Manchester United at Old Trafford. The intensity of the play and the attacking style makes his teams a great watch.

So, like many, I knew if he got things right at Leeds they would be a force and I still can’t believe you missed out on promotion in that first season! On paper, your team doesn’t look amazing but he improves players and gets them all working together.

4) And their start to life in the Premier League? Has it impressed you?

Of course it has, although it’s not really been a surprise.

Too many pundits clearly don’t watch the Championship as anyone who saw Leeds play over the past two years would have known they would be ready to make an impression at this level – and that Bielsa wouldn’t change his ways.

I expected Leeds to be among the clubs, with Wolves, that are in and around the top ten and potentially capable of making Europe. The only challenge will be maintaining these high standards when the momentum dies down in the coming months but I think you’ll manage.

5) Finally, let’s have your prediction for the game. Wolves wiped the floor with Leeds twice last time out in the Championship, I’m hoping for a closer contest, but how do you see it going?

Leeds 2-1 Wolves.

From a Wolves perspective, I think this fixture is coming at completely the wrong time. Leeds are a team where everyone knows their job and they will be flying, whereas we are in a period of transition and will need a few more weeks, at least, to get up to speed.

That’s not to say we have no hope. As mentioned we have talented players across the pitch with forwards who can win a game on their own and we’ve shown we can get a result anywhere. Plus, Leeds’ all-out approach might actually force us back and allow us to play on the counter – where we have excelled in the past. So, it’s a very interesting clash of styles.

However, if you look at the performances from both in the opening weeks, it’s hard to see past a home win.

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Leeds United Season Ticket Holder at Elland Road for over 20 seasons. Currently nestled in N12, but occasionally offering views from the press box. We’ve been through it all together? You bet.