The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Tuesday 28th January) Stalemate at Turf Moor
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Good Morning. It's Tuesday 28th January, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Stalemate at Turf Moor
Leeds stretched their lead at the top of the Championship to two points (and a far superior goal difference), despite a less than thrilling goalless draw at Turf Moor last night. The significance of the fixture, combined with favourable weekend outcomes meant a goalless draw was not only predictable, but almost seemed pre determined. Neither side was willing to commit numbers going forward, supported by the stats showing one solitary 89th minute effort on target (from Dan James) all night.
Between them, they are unbeaten in 26 games (eleven for Leeds and sixteen for the Clarets). With nine goalless draws this season thus far, it's easy to identify Burnley's frailties, but their defensive qualities cannot be ignored! They have conceded just nine league goals this season, 53 less than Plymouth Argyle.
Are Leeds any better than Burnley and Sheffield Utd?
In the end both sides went home happy last night. Leeds moved another point clear of Sheffield Utd, and likewise Burnley stay in the chasing pack. Looking at last nights stats, Leeds shaded the demographics, but over the two games, was there really that much to choose between the two sides? With twenty clean sheets, and only two losses this season, Burnley know where their one weakness lies, and are looking to bing in a top marksman between now and February 3rd.
Despite the Blades slipping up against Hull, they remain evens bets for a top two finish. They have spent heavily this month, and Chris Wilder is going for broke! Tom Cannon, Ben Brereton Diaz and Hamza Choudhury add both depth and quality to their side, but just like any new recruits, will need a settling in period before firing on all cylinders. Jonjoe Kenny and Tom Lawrence are also apparently on their way to Bramall Lane!
Piroe's form a cause for concern
Leeds may be the division's top goalscorers with 53, but if Joel Piroe plays any worse, Daniel Farke may be forced to wheel out Patrick Bamford to the pitch in a wheelchair! Despite a decent performance (and goal) against Hull City earlier this month, the 25yo's form has dropped considerably. The lack of impact from Mateo Joseph, with no worthwhile contributions across 19 appearances, further heighens the situation. This leaves the creative burden squarely on the shoulders of Manor Solomon and Dan James.
For Leeds to maintain their promotion push, they need more consistent output from both their number nine and ten. Piroe needs to rediscover his scoring touch and contribute to build up play or Farke will need to come up with a new plan. Over the past five seasons, leading goalscorers in the Championship have contributed between 26 and 43 goals; conservatively, I think we'd be delighted if Piroe got to 20.