Leeds United F.C. vs Stoke City F.C. preview – Marcelo Bielsa vs. Gary Rowett
Leeds United are attacking the new 2018/19 season with a new manager in master tactician, Marcelo Bielsa. The Argentinian is expected to lift the club with his high-pressing, energetic style of play and push The Peacocks to the promotion they’ve been seeking for years. Last season they finished 15th, a disappointing place to be for such this aspiring club.
It’ll take some time for things to get into full swing for Bielsa’s squad, as his tactical approach will demand a lot from his players. The beginning of pre-season demonstrated that with two losses and a draw against weak opposition. A 4-3 win over Guiseley and a 1-0 victory against Las Palmas have been encouraging and timely, as the new season kicks off this weekend.
Leeds’ opponent at 17:30 CET on Sunday will be Stoke City F.C. The Potters were relegated after ten years in the top flight. Mark Hughes’ team struggled throughout the 2017/18 season, ending it on a 13-game winless streak that was interrupted on the final day with a win versus Swansea. As a result of their demotion, the club lost Xherdan Shaqiri (Liverpool), Ramadan Sobhi (Huddersfield) and Lee Grant (Manchester United), but also acquired centre-forward Benik Afobe (Wolves loan), wingers Tom Ince (Huddersfield) and James McClean (West Bromwich), as well as midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo. 33-year-old centre-back Ashley Williams (Everton loan) and 33-year-old goalkeeper Adam Federici (Bournemouth loan) should provide some much-needed experience as well.
The pre-season hasn’t been very kind to new Stoke City manager Gary Rowett. The club hasn’t won a single game, losing to Bochum, Meppen, Hamburger SV and St. Pauli and drawing with Wolverhampton. In all of those matches, Rowett’s team found the net once. The inability to score goals is a problem which has plagued Stoke for years and something which will need to be solved soon if The Potters want to have any chance of returning to the Premier League.
Stoke City F.C. Player to watch – Ryan Sweeney
Ryan Sweeney is one of those players expected to step up and make a push for the first team. The 21-year-old defender spent last season on loan at Bristol Rovers, where he was one of the best players in the squad. He should challenge Ryan Shawcross and Bruno Martins Indi for a spot in the starting lineup.
Leeds United F.C. Players to watch – Patrick Bamford and Stuart Dallas
Leeds United F.C.’s main off-season acquisition is Patrick Bamford. The 24-year-old striker made 47 appearances for Middlesbrough last season, scoring 12 goals and convincing The Peacocks to arrange a transfer worth €8 million. Barry Douglas was acquired from Wolverhampton to be the team’s left-back, while Lewis Baker, Jack Harrison and goalkeeper Jamal Blackman were loaned from Chelsea’s and Manchester City’s youth academies.
Stuart Dallas is a player Marcelo Bielsa will be counting on to lead by example. The 27-year-old midfielder has made over 100 appearances for Leeds and has 30 caps for the Northern Ireland national squad under his belt. He’s one of the few players who won’t have trouble adapting to Bielsa’s needy style of coaching.
Leeds United F.C. vs Stoke City F.C. Betting Odds
