Leeds United vs Watford Preview: Probable Lineups, Predictions, Tactics, Team News, and Key Statistics

Leeds United host Watford at Elland Road in another six-pointer in the race for Premier League promotion.

Leeds United will look to build on their strong start to the Championship season when they welcome Watford to Elland Road on Tuesday night. Leeds, currently third in the table with 19 points from ten games, secured a confidence-boosting 2-0 win over Sheffield United in their most recent outing. Watford, on the other hand, will look to rebound after losing 3-0 to Luton Town, which dropped them to eighth place with 16 points.

Leeds have demonstrated why they are among the favourites for promotion, conceding the third fewest goals in the division (0.7 per game on average) while maintaining a strong offensive record of 1.7 goals per match.

Leeds have been solid under Daniel Farke’s leadership, winning five of their last eight league games and losing only 1-0 to second-placed Burnley. Furthermore, the Peacocks will be buoyed by their recent home record, which includes two victories at Elland Road.

Farke praised his team’s resilience following their victory over Sheffield United, pointing out how they limited the Blades to just one shot inside the box and no clear-cut chances. The manager will want his team to carry their momentum into Tuesday’s game as they look to secure a spot in the top two of the table. Despite some early inconsistencies at home, Leeds appear to be finding their stride.

Watford, on the other hand, will be desperate to move on from their weekend defeat. Their 3-0 defeat to Luton Town exposed flaws in their away performances, as they have now lost their last four games on the road, conceding 11 goals and scoring just once.

Tom Cleverley, Watford’s manager, admitted that his team struggled under pressure and failed to establish their identity in the game. Regardless of their overall struggles away from home, Cleverley will be looking for a response from his players as they seek to regain form.

Leeds will be wary of Watford’s attacking threat, which has 14 goals this season, but Cleverley will be concerned about the Hornets’ leaky defence, which has conceded 17 times. Watford’s patchy road record will also be a significant challenge if they are to take any points away from a strong Leeds side.

Team News and Tactics

Leeds United

Leeds United will be without several key players for Tuesday’s match against Watford. Ethan Ampadu is out until January 2025 due to a long-term injury, and defender Maximilian Wober is not expected to return until mid-December.

Another absentee is midfielder Ilia Gruev, who will be unavailable until late November, leaving Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell to play the double pivot role in midfield. Leeds will rely on these players to provide stability in the middle of the park, in front of their defense.

Leeds United will most likely line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Illan Meslier continuing in goal and commanding a defence that includes Jayden Bogle and Junior Firpo at full-back, providing width and overlapping runs down the flanks. Central defenders Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk will be tasked with forming a strong defensive line, containing Watford’s attacking threats and building from the back with poise.

Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell will serve as the team’s midfield anchors. These two players are expected to sit deeper and protect the back four, disrupting Watford’s attacks while also providing progressive passing options for the transition from defence to attack. Their roles are critical in maintaining the team’s structure and ensuring that Leeds United does not become vulnerable defensively.

Brenden Aaronson will play as a central attacking midfielder, providing creativity and connecting the midfield and front line. Wilfried Gnonto and Largie Ramazani will provide pace, flair, and direct running on the wings, with the goal of stretching Watford’s defence and delivering dangerous crosses into the box.

Joel Piroe will lead the attack. Piroe will be looking to make the most of his wide-area service and Aaronson’s creativity, with his goal-scoring instincts crucial to Leeds United’s chances in this match.

Possible lineup (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Firpo; Tanaka, Rothwell; Gnonto, Aaronson, Ramazani; Piroe.

Watford

Watford will most likely line up in a 5-3-2 formation, a defensively sound structure designed to absorb pressure and hit Leeds United on the counterattack.

Jonathan Bond will continue to be the Hornets’ last line of defense, supported by a back five. Ryan Andrews and Ken Sema will play as wing-backs, providing defensive cover as well as the ability to push forward when Watford has possession. Mattie Pollock, Angelo Ogbonna, and Ryan Porteous will form a strong defensive trio to neutralize Leeds’ attacking threats, particularly Joel Piroe’s movement.

Moussa Sissoko will most likely play box-to-box in midfield, combining defensive skills with the ability to drive forward and support attacks. He will be supported by Tom Dele-Bashiru and Tom Ince, who will help to anchor the midfield while also providing forward passes and transitions from defence to attack.

The attacking pair will be Vakoun Issouf Bayo and Giorgi Chakvetadze, who are expected to lead the line with speed and power. They will look to exploit the gaps behind Leeds’ defence, with Chakvetadze likely dropping deeper to create and link up with the midfield, and Bayo providing a physical presence in the box.

With right-back Jeremy Ngakia out until late October and centre-back Kevin Keben out until mid-November, Watford will rely on their available defensive depth to keep their shape and remain competitive.

Possible lineup (5-3-2): Bond, Andrews, Pollock, Ogbonna, Porteous, Sema; Sissoko, Dele-Bashiru, Ince; Bayo, Chakvetadze

Key Stats

• Leeds have one of the best defensive records in the Championship this season, allowing only seven goals in their first ten games. This gives them the league’s joint third-best defensive record, demonstrating their defensive strength under Daniel Farke.
• Watford has struggled on the road recently, having lost their last four Championship away games. They’ve conceded 11 goals in those four games while scoring only once, highlighting their poor away record.
• Leeds United have won their last two home games at Elland Road, extending their impressive run. However, they had a rough patch earlier in the season, winning only one of their first four home games.
• Watford has conceded 17 goals in its first ten Championship games, giving them the league’s joint-fifth worst defensive record. They will need to strengthen their backline to prevent Leeds from exploiting their defensive flaws.

Player to Watch

Wilfried Gnonto

Wilfried Gnonto has been a standout player for Leeds United this season. Gnonto, known for his incredible pace, dribbling ability, and creative flair, has been a consistent threat down the flanks for the Peacocks. His ability to cut inside from wide positions and create scoring opportunities for himself or his teammates makes him an important player in Daniel Farke’s system.

Given Watford’s defensive injuries, Gnonto’s direct approach and trickery could be crucial in breaking down the visitors’ defence. Gnonto is expected to play a key role in Leeds United’s attack on Tuesday.

Prediction

Leeds United beat Watford 1-0.

Leeds United’s form, particularly at home, combined with Watford’s poor away record, makes the hosts favourites in this match. Watford may struggle to contain Leeds United, which is finding its attacking rhythm and playing well defensively. Expect a hard-fought game, but Leeds should be able to secure a narrow victory. Faxsoccer predicts a 1-0 win for Daniel Farke and his team.