With West Bromwich Albion not in action until Monday, Leeds can go top of the Championship if they defeat a struggling Middlesbrough at Elland Road.
Only a win will send Leeds to the Championship summit whilst Boro could move up to 18th with victory.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesTyler Roberts is ruled out for Leeds with a hamstring injury and could be replaced by Helder Costa, who came on as a sub in midweek at Reading to set up Jack Harrison’s winner.
Middlesbrough will be without Anfernee Dijksteel until January after the defender needed knee surgery.
Britt Assombalonga is doubtful with an ankle injury alongside Paddy McNair, who has a glute issue.
Rudy Gestede and Marcus Browne are still absent with hamstring injuries alongside Ryan Shotton (ankle), George Friend (thigh) and Darren Randolph (thigh).
George Saville is available after completing a three match ban but Marvin Johnson is serving the second of his ban.
Stat Attack
- Leeds have won just one of their last five meetings with Middlesbrough (W1, D3, L1).
- Middlesbrough are winless in their last six trips to Elland Road (D2, L4) since winning 1-0 in August 2011.
- This is the second consecutive season in which this match hasn’t been selected for live coverage by Sky Sports, having not gone two seasons without TV coverage for the first time since 2012-13 & 13-14 seasons.
Prediction
Both teams have had to dig deep in midweek to win their games but Middlesbrough need to continue their attacking improvement, otherwise Leeds will comfortably win this game if can rip open their defence.
Boro’s injury list is also a concern because the likes of Randolph, Friend and possibly Assombalonga will be a huge loss in this type of fixture, which makes me lean further towards Leeds winning this.
I however can see Boro giving it a good go given the rivalry and local derby feel, although they probably are going to fall up short.
Prediction: Leeds United 2-1 Middlesbrough
Result: Leeds United 4-0 Middlesbrough
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