Leeds United will go into Saturday’s home clash against Plymouth Argyle with confidence but also a healthy amount of trepidation.
The Whites will be buoyed by their 1-0 win at Leicester City last time out, a result that pierced the league leaders’ veil of near-invincibility.
But Leeds United fans will also be well aware of their team’s frustrating habit of dropping points against “lesser” opponents this term. They will be hoping that this tie does not turn out to be another banana skin for their side.
On paper, Daniel Farke’s men should have little trouble seeing off opponents who have found life in the Championship perhaps a little more challenging than they expected.
After romping to promotion as League One champions last season, Plymouth Argyle have struggled to adjust to the demands of the second tier, although to their credit they have started to show signs of improvement in recent matches.
They come into this clash on the back of a creditable 3-3 draw with in-from Middlesbrough last Saturday, while a 6-2 thrashing of Norwich City earlier in the season remains the highlight of their season so far.
Leeds United will do well not to underestimate the visitors, who no doubt will relish the opportunity to claim the scalp of one of the top sides in the division.
Contrasting priorities
It’s still early in the season, but hardly premature to categorize this fixture as a clash between two sides with distinctly different ambitions. For while Leeds United are aiming to make a return to the Premier League at the first time or asking, Plymouth’s priority is to preserve their Championship status and avoid an instant return to League One.
Both sides have done reasonably well so far in their respective causes.
Plymouth have done their survival cause no harm in recent weeks, taking five point from a possible 15, during a sequence of results that included a 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday. On the back of that relative purple patch Argyle have to put some distance between themselves and the bottom three. They sit five points and three places above the relegation zone.
Meanwhile, Leeds United’s win at Leicester City was a massive statement of intent. With Ipswich Town dropping points in their game in hand against Rotherham in midweek, the Whites reduced the gap to second place to eight points.
Farke’s men now firmly have the Tractor Boys in their sights and will believe they can accelerate and hopefully overtake them by Christmas.
Liverpool’s Eye on Archie Gray
Off-field chatter: 17-year-old Archie Gray is having a great season under Daniel Farke, playing in his favorite midfield position and even at right-back. He’s already played 16 senior games this season, and it seems like others are taking notice.
The Daily Mail reports that Liverpool is looking to sign Gray next summer for over £40 million.
Momentum is the word
If they can keep the momentum going, Leeds United could find themselves in the automatic promotion reckoning by the end of the calendar year. If things pan out that way, it would be the perfect launch pad for a genuine promotion push in the New Year.
For now, however, focus turns to Saturday’s tie and the tricky challenge posed by Plymouth Argyle, who despite their struggles, will be determined to give a good account of themselves.
Daniel Farke’s men dare not drop the ball.
When is Leeds United vs Plymouth Argyle?
Saturday, November 11, kicks-off at the traditional time of 3pm.
Is Leeds United vs Plymouth Argyle on TV?
No, this one has not been picked for TV coverage; however, you can listen to Adam Pope on BBC Radio Leeds or register for a pass on Leeds United official website
Leeds United, how do I love thee!
