Ao Tanaka and Joel Piroe struck late goals as Leeds snatched a 3-1 win at promotion rivals Sheffield United to extend their lead at the top of the Championship.
An own goal from Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier had handed the home team a half-time lead and after Junior Firpo had headed the visitors level, Tanaka and Piroe struck in the final three minutes.
Both managers, Chris Wilder and Daniel Farke, had earlier played down the notion this clash was a title decider with 12 games still to play, but Leeds have moved five points clear of second-placed Sheff Utd and, crucially, seven above Burnley in third.
Farke was serving a touchline ban after receiving his third yellow card of the season last week for celebrating his side’s stoppage-time winner against Sunderland.
The German looked on from the television gantry as Sheffield United set about his side from kick-off, with Leeds’ bid to ride the early storm undermined by Meslier’s jitters.
The Frenchman, whose late howler at Sunderland in October cost Leeds victory, had been in fine form since being at fault for all three goals in a 3-3 draw at Hull in January.
But he looked all at sea as his side came under early pressure.
Meslier had already dropped two crosses when he flapped at a corner, allowing Tyrese Campbell to get in a header, which was cleared off the goal-line by Ilia Gruev, and another fumble handed a 14th-minute lead to the hosts.
Callum O’Hare’s header from Ben Brereton Diaz’s teasing cross was tipped on to the crossbar and down on to the goal-line by Meslier and when Campbell headed the rebound against a post, the Leeds goalkeeper failed to gather the ball and instead parried into his own net.
The home side threatened again from Campbell’s cross, with Junior Firpo getting his toe to the ball a fraction before O’Hare.
Leeds steadily wrestled back control and began to create chances of their own, with Manor Solomon twice firing straight at goalkeeper Michael Cooper before half-time.
Meslier did well to gather Vini Souza’s dangerous through-ball early in the second period before Leeds’ appeals for a penalty, after Dan James went down under Jack Robinson’s challenge, were waved away by referee David Webb.
There was no let-up from Sheff Utd though. Ao Tanaka nipped in to deny Sydie Peck a clear shot at goal and Souza’s effort forced Meslier into a low save.
Leeds substitute Mateo Joseph lashed a chance over the crossbar before Firpo hauled the visitors level with a thumping 72nd-minute header from James’ pin-point cross.
Harrison Burrows’ bouncing shot was well saved by Meslier and Piroe forced Cooper into a fine parry as both sides chased a winner.
Cooper then produced the save of the match to keep out substitute Wilfried Gnonto’s curling shot, but Leeds finished with a flourish.
Tanaka headed into the top corner following Firpo’s header from substitute Joe Rothwell’s corner with two minutes left and in the 90th minute Piroe lashed home Leeds’ third following James’ cut-back to seal victory.
10:24 PM GMT
Big comeback victory for Leeds
10:24 PM GMT
The thoughts post-match of Daniel Farke
“It was high, really high [watching on the TV gantry] and, of course, a bit less emotional. I do not want to get used to it, though the outcome is perfect for us. Hopefully it was the only time in my career I have to watch a game from the stands.
“We played a really strong opponent. The first 25 minutes they were by far the better side and invested so much. They deserved the lead and we were too nervous at the start. We then exerted more control as the game went on. We need a bit of luck in decisive moments. Goals are important for momentum but from 25 minutes on we controlled the game more. They are a side full of quality and you have to fight for it, showing courage and bravery.
“It is a brilliant three points. When you win against the top sides in the league it is good for the mood and confidence but it is just three points. We need to stay grounded, humble and disciplined.
10:19 PM GMT
Dan James speaking to Sky
“It was an unbelievable game. They came out quickly out of the traps and credit to them. First half we were not up for it but as soon as we got that first goal we wanted to push for a winner, which we got. Two teams both went at it. They played well through the press in the first half so we changed things tactically and we controlled the second balls better. We played better in the second half, when we created the chances.
“We knew tonight was a massive game for both sides. There is still a long way to go this season. This is a massive win. I am just trying to kick on every game, trying to be aggressive. I want to create when I can and be ruthless.”
10:15 PM GMT
Celebrations for Leeds in front of their travelling fans
10:13 PM GMT
Thoughts from the Leeds camp
Junior Firpo:
“We never stopped believing. We started a little bit slow today and conceded the goal, but we have top fitness as a team, and we have options off the bench that can change the game and we keep going until the end. The goals just came out of nothing and we are really happy.
“There are a lot of games still to play. Five points is a good distance but as you say the way we are going in the games, we are on top of everything. This team is really strong and has a lot of self belief and we will keep going.”
Joel Piroe:
“The belief was there from the start, we said it at half-time. The moment we score one we will be able to score the second as well, does not matter what minute it is.
“We will just keep going and winning as many games as possible.”
10:08 PM GMT
Contrast of emotions
Joy:
Despair:
10:06 PM GMT
Former Leeds man Stuart Dallas on Sky
“Leeds looked like the team that were probably going to go on and win it. I think Sheffield United were just starting to run out of energy.
“We know Leeds have quality and when Sheffield United had the ball, we were talking about them sitting in and that is exactly what Leeds wanted because, on the counter-attack, they are absolutely phenomenal and they have shown that.”
10:02 PM GMT
Joyous scenes in the away end
09:59 PM GMT
Top four in the Championship
All played 34 games:
Leeds- 75 points
Sheffield United- 70 points
Burnley- 68 points
Sunderland- 62 points
09:58 PM GMT
FT stats
Possession: Sheffield United 42%-58% Leeds
Shots: 10-18
Shots on target: 4-8
Corners: 3-5
Touches in opposition box: 10-30
09:57 PM GMT
Full time
There is the final whistle and Leeds have claimed a crucial three points. Like they did this time last week, they have come from 1-0 down to win. They go five points clear at the top of the Championship and seven points ahead of third-place Burnley.
09:56 PM GMT
90+4 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 3
The game is gone for the hosts but they have a late free-kick to try and get a goal back. Hamer sends it in but Meslier holds on and catches under pressure.
09:54 PM GMT
90+3 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 3
Leeds are going to make a late change of their own as Byram replaces Bogle.
09:53 PM GMT
90+2 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 3
We are into five added minutes at Bramall Lane. Piroe now goes level with Norwich’s Borja Sainz on 15 goals at the top of the goalscoring charts in the Championship.
Late change for Sheffield United as Moore replaces O’Hare.
09:51 PM GMT
GOAL! Piroe seals it for Leeds with powerful strike
Game, set and match at Bramall Lane and what a way to do it. Piroe fires a shot past Cooper from outside the box and Leeds are going five points clear at the top.
09:49 PM GMT
GOAL! Tanaka heads Leeds ahead at the death
Leeds take the lead and the away end goes nuts! From the subsequent corner, the ball is headed on towards the far post and Tanaka heads back across goal. Peck cannot head the ball away on the line and Leeds are celebrating what could be the winner and a massive goal in the Championship title race.
"It's déjà vu for Leeds United... it's FARKE TIME again!" ????
Ao Tanaka heads home in the 89th minute and surely Leeds have snatched all three points! pic.twitter.com/TrsCp2eFjG
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 24, 2025
09:48 PM GMT
88 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 1
Fantastic save from Cooper. Gnonto curls one towards the far corner from outside the box, which forces Cooper to tip the shot over the bar one-handed. That was a crucial save.
09:47 PM GMT
86 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 1
Hamer fouls Gnonto inside his own half and the Sheffield United man needs to be careful. That challenge was not a yellow card offence but he is running the risk of a second yellow and asking for trouble. Rothwell sends in the free-kick but the delivery is really poor and it is an easy catch for Cooper.
09:45 PM GMT
84 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 1
There are some nerves around Bramall Lane now and they are added to as Piroe has another shot at goal, this time from the edge of the box but Cooper gets down to make the save. It was close to the Sheffield United keeper but he still had to make the save.
09:44 PM GMT
83 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 1
Firpo’s cross from the left-hand side of the box is saved by the legs of Cooper. Moments later Piroe has a shot from the right-hand side of the box, which is straight at Cooper.
Leeds are making a change as Gnonto replaces Solomon.
09:42 PM GMT
81 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 1
Burrows’ cross from the left is deflected behind for a corner, which is played beyond the far post. Souza lays it off to Burrows on the edge of the box. He volleys into the ground and it nearly deflects off a few bodies, making Meslier’s sight of the ball harder but the Leeds keeper makes the save.
09:38 PM GMT
76 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 1
Cooper plays a ball in behind the Leeds defence and picks out Hamer but Rodon gets back to nick it off Hamer inside the Leeds box before the Sheffield United man could get his shot away.
09:35 PM GMT
74 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 1
Sheffield United make their fourth change as Davies replaces Brereton Diaz.
09:33 PM GMT
GOAL! Firpo equalises for Leeds
The visitors are level! Firpo missed a headed chance not long ago but he does not this time. James is allowed to stand up a cross from the right-hand side of the box and Firpo, up from his left-back position, powers home a header from around eight yards out. Leeds came from 1-0 down this time last week to win 2-1, will they do so again tonight?
09:32 PM GMT
71 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 0
James goes sprinting down the right wing and has a few teammates hoping for a cross but the ball across is blocked. Leeds do win a corner though. The outswinger is sent in and comes to Solomon on the edge of the box. His effort is blocked as is Rodon’s. The ball then comes to Joseph around 10 yards out but he blazes his effort over the bar. Good chance for the visitors.
09:30 PM GMT
69 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 0
Not long after Tanaka became the first player booked tonight, Hamer joins him in the book not long after coming on. He cynically slides in to take out Bogle and that was a simple booking.
09:28 PM GMT
67 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 0
Leeds are screaming for a penalty. Bogle sends in a ball across from the right-hand side of the box and it strikes Burrows, who was turning as the cross was hit. It does strike him on the arm but that would be very harsh to give that a penalty. A decision of no penalty feels like the right call. This being in the Championship no consideration given to what VAR would do with no VAR in the Championship but if one or both of these sides are in the Premier League next season there might have be an anxious wait for the home fans.
09:26 PM GMT
65 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 0
The first yellow card of the night goes to Leeds as Tanaka is booked for a slightly late challenge on Peck. It feels like a harsh yellow card, especially considering referee David Webb has officiated this game well and not looked to go the cards too early.
09:23 PM GMT
63 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 0
Souza shoots from range but it is a fairly simple save for Meslier in the Leeds goal.
09:23 PM GMT
62 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 0
Cannon cuts the ball across, looking for Peck just inside the Leeds box. The Sheffield United man is about to shoot but Tanaka nips in with a crucial interception.
09:21 PM GMT
60 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 0
Tanaka sends in a ball from the right and Leeds left-back Firpo is high up, inside the Sheffield United penalty area. He cannot keep his header down though and it goes flying over Cooper’s bar.
09:20 PM GMT
59 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 0
Chris Wilder is going to make a double change of his own. Hamer and Cannon are coming on for Rak-Sakyi and Campbell.
09:19 PM GMT
57 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 0
Aaronson slides in on Souza and the home crowd are demanding a yellow card. It was slightly late from Aaronson and the referee David Webb makes the right call in not booking Aaronson as there was no danger in that tackle and it was just slightly mis-timed.
Daniel Farke has decided it is time for a double change as Joseph and Rothwell replace Aaronson and Gruev.
09:15 PM GMT
53 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 0
James nicks the ball off Robinson on the byline and takes it into the Sheffield United box. He goes down wanting a penalty but he goes down far too easily. Robinson was not happy with the way James went down. No penalty.
09:14 PM GMT
52 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 0
James should play the ball out to Firpo, who is in acres of space down the left, but loses his footing as he plays the ball and Choudhury slides in to intercept.
Down the other end Sheffield United attack and Brereton Diaz slides a ball forward looking for Campbell. Meslier is out of his goal quickly and gets to the ball first, but did he take the ball out of the area? Looking at the replays it appears he just about kept it inside the box so a good decision and good goalkeeping on this occasion from Meslier.
09:11 PM GMT
50 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 0
Leeds may look to target Choudhury, who came on at half time for the injured Clarke, down their left and Sheffield United’s right. Choudhury normally plays in the midfield and has not played that many times at right-back. Solomon started to have some success in the second half of the first half and will surely look to run at Choudhury.
09:07 PM GMT
47 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 0
An early opportunity in this second half for the hosts to send a long throw into the box and put pressure on Meslier, who actually came back out for the second half early. After the referee has a word with a few players inside the Leeds box, Robinson sends it in but Leeds are able to deal with it on this occasion.
09:06 PM GMT
Second half
We are back under way at Bramall Lane and the hosts have made a change at the break as Clarke has had to be replaced, with Choudhury coming on for him.
As it stands Sheffield United will be heading top of the table but a lot could change in the next 45 minutes.
09:00 PM GMT
Sky Sports crew on the Meslier own goal
Former Leeds defender Stuart Dallas:
“The first save from [Illan] Meslier is incredible. The ball into the box is sensational as well. But from there it is a bit of a disaster.”
Jobi McAnuff:
“It is actually a terrible miss from Tyrese Campbell before the goal. He will be very relieved. Meslier got himself in a real muddle.”
08:59 PM GMT
Get your fix
08:57 PM GMT
Everton target Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear
Everton have identified Leeds United chief executive Angus Kinnear as a potentially key new appointment as the club take shape under new American owners the Friedkin Group.
The Americans are putting together a new executive structure, having completed their takeover in December, and Kinnear, an experienced football executive, is one of the early front-runners. He has been a successful chief executive at Leeds for nearly eight years, often outspoken and prepared to engage directly with supporters.
Telegraph Sport reported last week that David Weir, the former Everton captain, is a target for the club as director of football. The current Brighton and Hove Albion director of football is close to David Moyes, newly reappointed as Everton manager and having turned around the club’s fortunes in rapid style with 13 points from six games.
Sam Wallace and Matt Law have the full story.
08:55 PM GMT
HT stats
Possession: Sheffield United 37%-63% Leeds
Shots: 6-6
Shots on target: 2-2
Corners: 2-2
Touches in opposition box: 7-11
08:49 PM GMT
Half time
Leeds have a late corner, past the three added minutes that were signalled. Sheffield United deal with it and that is it for the first half. Sheffield United have the lead at the break thanks to Meslier’s own goal.
08:46 PM GMT
45+1 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 0
Clarke is now back on with a few added minutes remaining in this first half.
08:45 PM GMT
45 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 0
Sheffield United may be forced into a change just before half time as Clarke has gone down, which has led to Holding being sent to warm up. Can Clarke at least make it to half time?
There will be three added minutes at the end of this first half.
08:42 PM GMT
42 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 0
Solomon is again found down the left-hand side and has another shot, which this time is blocked by the head of Ahmedhodzic. Solomon was being played onside once more and Sheffield United need more order with their back line.
08:40 PM GMT
39 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 0
Big chance for Leeds. Solomon is found in behind and is being played onside. He takes the ball down inside the Sheffield United box and should probably play it across to Piroe. He instead cuts inside and takes the shot on himself but the effort is straight at Cooper. Leeds could and perhaps should be on level terms there.
08:37 PM GMT
37 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 0
After a pretty terrible first 25 minutes to this game, Leeds are just starting to grow in confidence. The problem for them is that they are 1-0 down, although they were 1-0 down against Sunderland a week ago and won 2-1. The difference though is that they were at home last week.
James sends in a loopy cross from the right but Cooper shows much more authority than Meslier and catches the cross.
08:34 PM GMT
33 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 0
Aaronson finds James on the right-hand side of the box. The Welsh forward cuts inside on to his left but his effort goes high and wide, not threatening the Sheffield United goal in any way, shape or form.
08:31 PM GMT
31 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 0
Nearly a second for Sheffield United. Brereton Diaz finds the run of Campbell down the left channel and the latter sends in a cross from the left-hand side of the box. He nearly picks out O’Hare but Firpo does brilliantly to reach it first and put it behind for a corner, which comes to nothing.
08:29 PM GMT
29 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 0
Bogle’s cross from the right takes a deflection and goes behind for a Leeds corner. The visitors have seemed to weather the storm for now and Gruev has an opportunity from the corner as he meets it at the near post but his header is straight at Cooper.
08:27 PM GMT
26 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 0
Peck has some space and time outside the Leeds box and opens up his body to curl one into the far corner but the strike is not clean and is rather tame, rolling into the hands of Meslier.
08:26 PM GMT
25 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 0
James sends in dangerous looking ball towards the far post, looking for Solomon, but there is just too much on it and the ball goes out of play for a goal-kick.
08:21 PM GMT
20 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 0
Leeds have been under massive pressure so far but they an opening there. The overlapping Firpo run is found on the left-hand side of the Sheffield United box and his cross is cut out well.
08:19 PM GMT
19 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 0
Brereton Diaz is the latest home player to have an effort, which is blocked. Leeds are barely holding on at the moment.
08:18 PM GMT
18 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 0
Sheffield United unsurprisingly send a throw-in into the Leeds box and once again Meslier is all over the place, this time lucky he is not punished.
Moments later O’Hare has a shot blocked from outside the box. It is one-way traffic at the moment.
08:17 PM GMT
17 mins: Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 0
Another chance for the home side as a cross is flashed across the six-yard box from the left by Burrows but no Sheffield United player is on hand to take advantage. Sheffield United are massively on top and Leeds have to ride this storm or else this game could quickly get away from them. As I type Meslier mis-places a pass straight out of play under no pressure.
As it stands Sheffield United are going top of the table.
08:14 PM GMT
GOAL! Sheffield United take the lead through Meslier own goal
Bedlam ensues inside Bramall Lane and it is what Sheffield United deserve. Brereton Diaz sends in a great cross from the left, which O’Hare flicks on. His header hits the bar and comes back down but does not go over the line. Campbell then hits the post and Meslier cannot push the ball out, instead pushing into his own net. That goal was coming and the Leeds goalkeeper has had a disastrous start to this game.
08:10 PM GMT
9 mins: Sheffield United 0 Leeds United 0
Campbell wins a corner off Rodon and the home crowd roar their appreciation for Campbell’s run and winning the corner. Peck sends in an inswinger and Meslier is incredibly lucky again. He makes an absolute mess of the catch/ punch and he has Gruev to thank, who makes a headed goal-line clearance. Meslier essentially parried it towards his own goal and Gruev reacted brilliantly to save his keeper’s blushes. Meslier wanted a free-kick but no way was there a foul there.
08:08 PM GMT
7 mins: Sheffield United 0 Leeds United 0
A long throw is sent into the Leeds box and Meslier is not comfortable. He drops the ball initially and is fortunate the ball did not get away from him, allowing him to re-gather at the second attempt.
08:06 PM GMT
6 mins: Sheffield United 0 Leeds United 0
Much to the delight of the home fans, Bogle is penalised for fouling Brereton Diaz inside the Leeds half and the home side will have the free-kick in a good position to send it into the Leeds box. Burrows sends it in but the delivery is terrible, not even beating the first man.
08:04 PM GMT
4 mins: Sheffield United 0 Leeds United 0
These two sides have scored 10 goals each in the first 15 minutes of games this season so it seems quite likely that we will get an early goal tonight. Let’s hope so!
Bogle left Sheffield United for Leeds last summer and there are some boos and jeers whenever he touches the ball.
08:03 PM GMT
3 mins: Sheffield United 0 Leeds United 0
Play is halted as Struijk and Campbell are down after a heavy collision but both are now back on their feet. No foul from either player but a painful one nonetheless.
08:02 PM GMT
2 mins: Sheffield United 0 Leeds United 0
There will be no Daniel Farke on the sidelines after his yellow card for the celebrations at the end of their dramatic victory last Monday. Instead he is up in the stands just by the TV commentators.
Rak-Sakyi sends in a dangerous cross in from the right that Leeds do well to head away from danger.
08:00 PM GMT
Kick-off
We are under way at Bramall Lane. Who will end the night top of the Championship?
07:57 PM GMT
Kick-off fast approaching
Both sides emerge from the tunnel to a raucous atmosphere and we are just moments away from kick-off at Bramall Lane.
07:54 PM GMT
Reminder of the teams
Sheffield United: Cooper, Clarke, Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Burrows, Peck, Vinicius Souza, Rak-Sakyi, O’Hare, Campbell, Brereton Diaz.
Substitutes: Faxon, McCallum, Holding, Brewster, Hamer, Moore, Choudhury, Cannon, Tom Davies.
Leeds United: Meslier, Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Firpo, Gruev, Tanaka, James, Aaronson, Solomon, Piroe.
Substitutes: Darlow, Byram, Schmidt, Debayo, Rothwell, Guilavogui, Ramazani, Gnonto, Fernandez.
07:51 PM GMT
Sheffield United’s injured midfielder Ollie Arblaster speaking to Sky Sports
"The physios don't like me... I asked if I could do ten minutes tonight off the bench!" ????
Sheffield United's Ollie Arblaster on recovering from his ACL injury ???? pic.twitter.com/ZRtQ2ZA7nw
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 24, 2025
07:50 PM GMT
Both sides gearing up
07:48 PM GMT
Bogle returns to Bramall Lane
Jayden Bogle spent four years at Sheffield United from 2020-2024 but is in the Leeds starting line-up tonight.
07:46 PM GMT
Former Sheffield United defender Chris Basham on the return of Ben Brereton Diaz
"He looks happy... he'll want to prove to the fans & Southampton fans what he can do!"
Chris Basham on the return of Ben Brereton Diaz to Sheffield United ???? pic.twitter.com/etrjW24ITY
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 24, 2025
07:44 PM GMT
Leeds United recent results
Monday 17th February: Leeds United 2-1 Sunderland
Tuesday 11th February: Watford 0-4 Leeds United
Saturday 8th February: Leeds United 0-2 Millwall (FA Cup Fourth Round)
Wednesday 5th February: Coventry City 0-2 Leeds United
07:40 PM GMT
Sheffield United recent results
Saturday 15th February: Luton Town 0-1 Sheffield United
Wednesday 12th February: Sheffield United 3-1 Middlesbrough
Saturday 8th February: Sheffield United 2-1 Portsmouth
Saturday 1st February: Derby County 0-1 Sheffield United
07:32 PM GMT
Kieffer Moore back from injury and on the bench for the hosts
07:28 PM GMT
Full teams
Sheffield United: Cooper, Clarke, Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Burrows, Peck, Vinicius Souza, Rak-Sakyi, O’Hare, Campbell, Brereton Diaz.
Substitutes: Faxon, McCallum, Holding, Brewster, Hamer, Moore, Choudhury, Cannon, Tom Davies.
Leeds United: Meslier, Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Firpo, Gruev, Tanaka, James, Aaronson, Solomon, Piroe.
Substitutes: Darlow, Byram, Schmidt, Debayo, Rothwell, Guilavogui, Ramazani, Gnonto, Fernandez.
07:24 PM GMT
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder speaking to Sky Sports
"So Chris, big game tonight!"
"Is it?" ????Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder looks ahead to the Blades' clash with the 'toughest team in the division', Leeds United ⚔ pic.twitter.com/Whj9zF5p2o
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 24, 2025
07:22 PM GMT
Ampadu absence explained
Leeds fans will be hoping the injury is not too serious.
07:17 PM GMT
Hosts in the house
07:11 PM GMT
Visitors arriving
07:08 PM GMT
Get your fix
07:00 PM GMT
Leeds United team news
07:00 PM GMT
Sheffield United team news
06:58 PM GMT
Quotes from Daniel Farke
“I have rated them [Sheffield United] even earlier in the season and they have not proved me wrong, together with us they are the best side in the league so far,” Farke said.
“They are playing an outstanding season with a top manager and top individual players. They have a good balance of defensive behaviour and lots of individual quality of players who can score goals at the other end.
“They have been able to win many, many tight games and this is also a sign of quality. If you always find a way to win close games.
“Chris Wilder has forged a great unity and a team who shows great consistency with an unbelievable amount of points after this amount of games. It is one of the toughest places you can go. I am looking forward to being in competition with them. We know we have to be at our best.”
06:55 PM GMT
Battle at the summit of the Championship
The top two in the Championship meet at Bramall Lane this evening as Sheffield United host Leeds United. Tonight’s visitors travel to Bramall Lane two points clear of the hosts at the top of the table, with Burnley in third two points behind Sheffield United. These two sides have 13 games remaining and this feels like a huge night in the race for the Championship title as Leeds have the chance to potentially go five points clear but Sheffield United could leapfrog Leeds into top spot with a win.
Sheffield United come into tonight’s match off the back of four straight league victories, including a 1-0 win Luton just over a week ago. They have won seven of the last eight in the league and are aiming to win five league games in a row for the first time since December 2022. Their manager Chris Wilder is expecting a tough challenge against what he describes as a “huge, historic club”.
“They are a top six Premier League club. I read an article the other day about who is the bigger club between Newcastle and Leeds and it is a toss of a coin for me. I am not trying to wind anyone up, that is how it is,” said Wilder. “They are a huge, historic football club that has won a load of things in the past. They could get 50,000 in their ground if they had the capacity to do that.
“They attract good players, they invest in the team and there is pressure on them to win games. When you play huge football clubs things do go up a notch. We are playing a team that is a powerhouse of English football.”
Leeds have also won their last four league games, scoring 15 goals and conceding just once. They beat fellow promotion hopefuls Sunderland 2-1 at home this time last week and are currently on a 15-match unbeaten run. Despite many thinking this could a title-decider, Leeds manager Daniel Farke does not believe that is the case.
“It is too early to be a title-decider - there are still so many games to play. It is not matchday 44,” Farke told BBC Radio Leeds.
“You know I do not think the league is decided in these spotlight games. It is nice for the broadcasters and the supporters but to finish top you have to show consistency. Last season we won the two games against Leicester and the two games against Ipswich but they play in the Premier League now.
“The everyday work is crucial to be successful in this league and not to just be good in one special game. Nothing is decided after this game. Even after this game there are so many points to play for, this is just another chance to win points for your tally.”
In the reverse fixture back in October Leeds ran out 2-0 winners at Elland Road thanks to goals from Pascal Struijk and Mateo Joseph. The omens would perhaps seem to not be on the hosts side tonight; Sheffield United have lost their last two home league games against Leeds 1-0. Leeds have in fact won the last three league meetings between the sides.
Team news to follow shortly.
