An in-depth look ahead at our opponents in the upcoming West Yorkshire Derby
- Leeds United vs Huddersfield Town
- Saturday 28 October; 12.30pm kick-off at Elland Road
- First meeting between sides since 202
For the first time in over three years, the Terriers will make the short trip eastbound on the M62 to Elland Road to face Leeds United in the West Yorkshire Derby.
Leeds had the better of the previous two fixtures in the 2019/20 campaign, winning both two goals to nil as they secured automatic promotion. Town had won the previous three meetings before that season, with the Terriers also ahead historically with 32 wins to their 29, having drawn 19 times.
There are just 13.5 miles between the John Smith’s Stadium and Elland Road, with over 3,000 Town supporters set to fill a sold out away end in Beeston as both Darren Moore and Daniel Farke oversee their first derby in charge at their new side.
THE OPPOSITION
Having spent three seasons in the Premier League after promotion in 2020, a 19th placed finish last season confirmed Leeds’ return to the Sky Bet Championship.
Undergoing a change of ownership and management in the summer, former Norwich City boss Daniel Farke was installed as they underwent major changes to their playing squad. With a total of 25 players leaving either permanently or on loan, eight permanent signings were introduced as well as three new faces on loan.
Currently in third place, Leeds are nine points shy of the automatic promotion places as they look for an immediate return to the top flight. Undefeated at home this season in six games, they drew their opening three fixtures at Elland Road before stringing together a series of wins.
THEIR MANAGER
Making his name at Norwich City after leaving Borussia Dortmund II, the 46-year-old German coach spent four years in Norfolk, winning the Sky Bet Championship twice despite being unable to keep his side within the Premier League on each occasion.
A brief stint in Russia with Krasnodar followed before he returned to German football with Borussia Monchengladbach for a year prior to joining Leeds United in the summer on a four-year contract.
Starting life in West Yorkshire well, Farke has won seven of his first 15 matches at the helm, drawing and losing four each in all competitions. Having faced Town twice before, he won both of those encounters during his time with Norwich.
LAST TIME OUT
Having won three games on the trot, that good run of form came to an end against Stoke City on Wednesday evening.
Despite having a penalty to go ahead late on in the final quarter of the match, Bamford missed the spot kick minutes before a Pascal Struijk own goal sealed a one nil loss.
Having enjoyed more of the ball and more shots on goal, it was only their third loss of the campaign after defeats on the road at both Birmingham City and Southampton.
Previous Starting XI: Meslier; Gray, Rodon, Struijk, Byram; Ampadu, Gruev; Gnoto, Piroe, Anthony; Rutter
FORMATION
A devotee of the 4-2-3-1 formation throughout his career, it’s no surprise that Leeds have lined up that way in 13 of their 15 games under Farke so far. Their only deviations have been variations of the same principle, playing 4-4-2 twice to great effect in a win away at Ipswich Town and a draw away to Hull City.
Providing a solid midfield base in front of the back four, the system gives Leeds the ability to play four attacking players in the final third. With one forward leading the line, he is supported by two wingers - often inverted - and a number 10 that pushes forward and plays as a supporting striker.
A balanced system, Leeds are able to both sit deep in defence whilst being primed to break whilst also having the confidence to commit men forward and push their full-backs higher should they be in charge of the game.
WHO TO WATCH
Ethan Ampadu
Signed permanently in the summer from Chelsea, the Welsh international midfielder has quickly become a fan favourite for his new side. Having made a move from Exeter City to West London in 2017, he has been on a series of loan moves for the majority of his time with the Blues, only making 12 appearances in all competitions for his former side before leaving.
Having already played more for Leeds than he did for Chelsea, he has settled in a holding midfield role sitting ahead of the defence. Their chief ball-winning midfielder, Ampadu has 46 appearances for Wales to his name at only 23-years-old, with a maturity beyond his years.
Georginio Rutter
Arriving in January 2023 while Leeds were in the Premier League for a club record £35.5m transfer fee from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim, the 21-year-old forward failed to score in 11 top flight appearances as his side were relegated.
Rutter has hit the ground running in the Sky Bet Championship this season, though, scoring two and assisting four more goals in 12 appearances. Rotating between the lone striker position and playing behind in a supporting role, his movement and relationship with Joel Piroe has been a huge asset for Leeds in their strong start under Farke.
Joel Piroe
No stranger to the Sky Bet Championship after making the move from PSV to Swansea City in 2021, he joined Leeds in the summer of 2023 for a significant transfer fee after scoring 46 times in 96 appearances for the side from South Wales.
24-year-old Piroe has made a similarly prolific start to life at Leeds, netting five times in 10 games. Having represented the Netherlands at youth team level, he’s yet to receive a call-up for the senior side. With one goal in four appearances against Town to date, that came in his very first game against us for Swansea in 2021.
TOWN TEAM NEWS
With a midweek game against Cardiff City to take into account, Darren Moore will provide a full update on the availability of his team when he speaks to the media from the Millers Oils High Performance Complex on Friday 27 October 2023.
KIT
We will be back in our black third kit for the trip to Elland Road!
Having been previously worn in the Midlands for our late draw with Coventry City, supporters can still get their hands on our Utilita Giving sponsored strip.
CLICK HERE to make one your own from the Town Shop online, or visit us in store at the John Smith’s Stadium!
TICKET NEWS
All tickets for this fixture have sold out - thank you for your incredible support!
Supporters without tickets shouldn’t make the trip to Elland Road, with no seats remaining and therefore no pay on the day in place.
For more ticket information, CLICK HERE.
iFOLLOW HTAFC
Supporters are able to follow every kick from Beeston via iFollow HTAFC, with audio match passes available by CLICKING HERE.
Match Video passes are also available for the 12.30pm kick-off, CLICK HERE to purchase your video pass now.
To find out more about iFollow, season passes and more, CLICK HERE.
