Leeds – Stoke will play on Thursday, July 9, starting at 17:00 in the 42nd round of the strongest second league in the world, Championship. In the tour, Leeds definitely won 3-0. It is interesting that after 3 days from this match, Leeds and Stoke met in the EFL Cup. It was 2-2 in the regular season, and Stoke won the tie on Elland Road.
Leeds comes after a 3-1 away win at Blackburn. It was the 7th success in the last 9 rounds, during which he recorded a draw with Luton and a defeat at Cardiff. So, Bielsa’s team is on the first position with a total of 78 points, one more than West Brom and 6 lengths away from Brentford, occupying the last place on the podium.
On the other hand, the guest team comes after a categorical victory, 4-0 with Barnsley, but for the group coached by Michael O’Neill, the big problems this season were the matches played on foreign soil. Stoke collected only 16 points out of 20 away, being the 3rd weakest team “outside”. This made the “potters” have emotions about demotion. Stoke is in 18th place with a total of 46 points, just 2 lengths away from the 22nd position that leads to League Two.
So, Leeds has the first chance to win and it is noteworthy that usually in the group games coached by Bielsa we see many corners. In 17 of the last 22 rounds played by Leeds, there have been at least 10 corner kicks.
-Leeds, the best home defense, 14 goals conceded;
-Leeds, one goal conceded in the last 5 home matches;
-Stoke, 2 wins in the last 12 away games;
PREDICTION: Leeds to win @ 1,47
