Overview
For the first time in 45 years, Leeds United won the Premier League at Old Trafford when defeating Manchester United 2-1. Noah Okafor's double helped the away team win deservedly, thereby strengthening their hopes of relegation.
After the match, coach Daniel Farke did not hide his relief when emphasizing the importance of "maintaining the spirit and sticking to the plan" in the decisive stage. Meanwhile, defender James Justin believes that this victory will send a strong message to the relegation contenders.
Leeds had one of the most impressive performances of the season to end a 6-match winless streak, while widening the gap to 6 points with Tottenham Hotspur - the team currently ranked 18th.
Although still the only team that has not had two consecutive wins this season, Leeds has an optimistic basis before welcoming Wolves. The Elland Road team has won all 4 recent encounters with Wolves in the Premier League - only behind longer wins against Sunderland, Tottenham (6 matches) and West Ham (5 matches).
The Farke team has also won 9 of their last 12 home matches against teams in the bottom group (2 draws, 1 loss). However, they are having a scoring problem when they are silent in 4/5 of their recent home matches, including 3 consecutive recent matches. Leeds has never experienced a 4-match winless streak at home in the highest league since 1982.
In the opposite direction, Wolves are facing a clear risk of relegation. This team has been at the bottom of the table in the last 29 rounds (since the end of August) and may officially leave the Premier League this weekend if the results of other matches are not favorable.
Only a victory against Leeds can help Wolves extend their relegation hopes for at least another week. A defeat, in case Tottenham beats Brighton, will officially cause them to be relegated. Even a draw could decide fate if West Ham wins points against Crystal Palace.
The Midlands team is trying to recover after a heavy 0-4 defeat to West Ham. They have not scored in 16 Premier League matches this season - equal to the total number of goalless matches of the previous two seasons combined.
However, Wolves still have a certain foothold when they have scored in all 11 recent encounters with Leeds in all competitions. In addition, they have only lost 1 in their last 5 away games to Elland Road (3 wins, 1 draw), although that defeat took place in the most recent time in August 2022 (losing 1-2).
Personnel situation
Leeds United may welcome good news about the force when Anton Stach, Joe Rodon and Daniel James - players absent from the victory against Man United - are all likely to return if they pass the late fitness test.
In defense, Gabriel Gudmundsson has fully recovered and is ready to continue playing as a starter in the left-back position, while Jayden Bogle takes on the opposite wing. The trio James Justin, Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk continue to guard the center of the defense.
On the Wolves side, Sam Johnstone continues to be absent due to a shoulder injury, while Matt Doherty's ability to play is still uncertain. In addition, Yerson Mosquera will have to serve a 2-match suspension after receiving enough 10 yellow cards.
Expected lineup:
Leeds United: Darlow, Justin, Bijol, Struijk, Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson, Aaronson, Okafor, Calvert-Lewin.
Sa, S. Bueno, Krejci, Toti, Tchatchoua, J. Gomes, Andre, A. Gomes, H. Bueno, Mane, Armstrong.
The match between Leeds United and Wolves takes place at 9:00 PM on April 18 (Vietnam time).
