Leeds United

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

Image source, Getty Images

I was at Leeds United v Brentford last week and mentioned here that they didn't look like relegation fodder to me. A 4-1 hammering of high-flying Crystal Palace this week at an ecstatic Elland Road underlined the new belief from Daniel Farke's side.

Sunderland v Leeds just after Christmas is my next BBC game. If Leeds win that one, they will be on the brink of mid-table safety, probably only needing 12 more points from 20 games to survive.

If, and I accept it is a pretty big if, they can keep Dominic Calvert-Lewin fit, they could be home and dry with a month to spare, especially with that phenomenal home support.

That didn't look likely a month ago.

Sign up to read more from Pat Nevin in his Football Extra newsletter

Image source, Getty Images

The latest episode of Don't Go To Bed Just Yet had the regulars discussing how Dominic Calvert-Lewin put on an incredible performance in the win over Crystal Palace despite receiving a knock to his head.

Leeds beat the Eagles 4-1 at Elland Road, with Calvert-Lewin continuing his fine form.

However when the score was 0-0, the forward had a clash with Crystal Palace's Marc Guéhi.

"When he crashed into Guéhi, I thought that Leeds' season was in the balance," said BBC Radio Leeds Jonny Buchan. "But he got up and scored two goals."

Manager Daniel Farke was seen to be telling replacements to warm up quickly with there being concerns regarding a concussion for Calvert-Lewin.

Simon Rix - bass player for the Kaiser Chiefs - told the podcast Farke must have "magic hands" given how Calvert-Lewin and other frequently injured players are currently coping.

BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope said: "I don't think are any other forwards in that role that are like him, he is always in between the penalty spot and goal line but still on side. He is a goalhanger."

Listen to the full episode here

Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

Josh Lobley
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Opta

Dominic Calvert-Lewin's goal map in the Premier League makes for quite remarkable viewing with the position of all seven of his goals this season coming in an almost perfectly straight line.

In an era where many number nines are expected to be complete footballers, the 28-year-old is thriving as a "poacher" in Daniel Farke's side.

Calvert-Lewin's form and goal map is reminiscent of his most prolific season to date when he netted 16 league goals at Everton under Carlo Ancelotti in the 2020-21 season.

Calvert-Lewin has since spoken highly of his time under the Italian manager.

"The first thing he said to me was 'stay in between the 18-yard box'," Calvert-Lewin told the High Performance podcast in June.

"This was the opposite of what I'd been doing. When you're young, you have to run everywhere because you need to do all of the 'rubbish' bits better.

"He came in and said 'I don't want you running out there because you aren't going to score goals out there' - that was the only direct information he gave me.

"I thought it was great, I was able to focus on scoring goals instead of running the channels and being so far from goal."

After scoring just one goal in his first 10 Premier League games as a Leeds player, Calvert-Lewin has now netted six in his past five and shows no signs of slowing down.

The former England international could just be going through a purple patch, or perhaps Leeds boss Farke is now allowing him to play to his strengths - just like Ancelotti did five years ago.

The latest episode of the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast has just landed from BBC Radio Leeds.

They discuss Leeds United overpowering Crystal Palace 4-1 at Elland Road to head into Christmas on a four-match unbeaten run.

There's also debate on whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be on the plane to the World Cup.

Listen to the full episode here

Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Leeds United and Crystal Palace.

Here are some of your comments:

Leeds fans

Thomas: This was Leeds' most authoritative win of the season, against a Palace team that has a fantastic away record this season including not letting many goals in.

Robert: Great to see Calvert-Lewin's efforts rewarded with goals. He was working so hard before his recent scoring run. Ampadu was fantastic. He was everywhere. Rodon was a rock. Should have had a first half penalty too - ridiculous that was missed. Superb win.

Ewan: We're not the most technically gifted team but we're starting to play more cleverly and utilise our strengths. Long throw and balls into the box were causing chaos for Palace all evening. DCL could drag us out of a relegation battle this year. Merry Christmas Leeds fans!

Palace fans

Steve: Palace's worst display of the season. Very disappointed to concede goals to set pieces. It suggests poor planning, and an inability to adapt during the game. Second to the ball in every area, especially in the box. Perhaps Palace have been punching above their weight and were found out by a side they should be looking to beat. Reinforcements are vital in the January window.

Dave: That was definitely one to forget! Palace couldn't cope with the physicality and the aerial prowess that Leeds had. Missing energy, and a few key players. Shows the lack of depth in the squad. Players looked physically and mentally tired. Credit to Leeds who deserved the win.

Sean: Glasner should've played his strongest 11 on Thursday and saved us now having to play two extra Conference games because regardless of who he played against Leeds, the outcome would've still been the same.

Wayne Rooney discusses whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin could force his way into World Cup contention and recalls what it was like playing alongside him at Everton: "I think purely, not because of his ability as a player, but purely because of his injury record, it was very difficult for anyone to take that chance and take up a spot and spend the money on him.

"If he continues this then there's no reason why he shouldn't be talked about or even get an opportunity to go to the World Cup. Purely because of the lack of forwards that England have got."

Watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

Pundits Joe Hart and Shay Given join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Manchester City 3-0 West Ham

• Brighton 0-0 Sunderland

• Tottenham 1-2 Liverpool

Leeds boss Daniel Farke speaking to BBC Sport after the 4-1 win against Crystal Palace: "A great night for us, to see the scoreline and most importantly the three points. The best away team in the Premier League and we knew we needed a special plan and the lads have delivered, top class."

On making tactical changes since the Manchester City match: "We had a really good start to the season but we were many games unlucky not to get results from the performance.

"At this level we have to be flexible, we know we don't have the best individual quality, so sometimes you have to mirror the opposition and change formation within the game. It's complex when you don't have the best individual quality then you need to find a plan and the lads are doing really well. We are in a good position, but with 19 points we won't achieve our goal, we have to keep going."

On Dominic Calvert-Lewin: "He is in great form, I spoke highly about him and we are blessed and fortunate that we have him.

"He has shown this during his career when he is fit but to label him a top class player for Leeds United, he doesn't have to show this for a couple of weeks or months, he has to show it over the whole course of the season. Right now it is too soon, he has to keep going."

On Ethan Ampadu: "He has developed into a leader and a top player. One of our key players, if not the most important player. He is my captain. He is in the heart of the game, he is fantastic."

Did you know?

• Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the first Leeds player to score in five successive Premier League appearances since Mark Viduka in August 2003.

Listen to Farke on BBC Sounds

Adwaidh Rajan
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Daniel Farke's switch to a 3-5-2 formation continued to pay dividends for Leeds United as they posted a dominant 4-1 victory against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin once again proved to be the gamechanger as he scored a first-half double to pull the hosts ahead at Elland Road before goals from captain Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach extended their unbeaten run to four games.

The victory moved them into 16th in the table where they are six points clear of 18th-placed West Ham, who were beaten by Manchester City earlier in the day.

It is quite a turnaround for Farke's side who were reeling with five defeats from six matches after losing to Aston Villa at the end of last month.

But their resurgence can be traced back to the game that followed that loss - a narrow 3-2 defeat by Manchester City when Farke sacrificed his possession-based 4-3-3 system for a counter-attacking style.

And one of the biggest beneficiaries of that change in system has been Calvert-Lewin, who has rediscovered his instincts in the opposition box and now has six goals in five games and seven overall for the season.

He has now scored against City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Brentford and now Palace to emulate the likes of Mark Viduka, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Rod Wallace who previously scored in five consecutive Premier League fixtures for the club.

And if Leeds and Calvert-Lewin can continue creating problems for their opponents like they did to Palace, they will be welcoming the new year with a renewed sense of optimism.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Leeds' performance

What did you make of Palace's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke makes just one change to the side that held Brentford to a 1-1 draw last weekend.

Brenden Aaronson replaces Ao Tanaka among the starters as Dominic Calvert-Lewin leads the line looking to score in a fifth successive Premier League game.

Leeds United XI: Perri, Bogle, Gudmundsson, Ampadu, Struijk, Rodon, Calvert-Lewin, Aaronson, Bijol, Stach, Okafor.

Subs: Darlow, Piroe, Harrison, Tanaka, Bornauw, Justin, Byram, Gnonto, Gruev.

Oliver Glasner makes 11 changes from the 2-2 draw against KuPS only 48 hours ago as the Crystal Palace manager reverts to his first-choice starting line-up.

However, injured Daichi Kamada and Ismaïla Sarr, who is at Afcon with Senegal, miss out from the 3-0 defeat by Manchester City last Sunday as Will Hughes and Eddie Nketiah replace them.

Crystal Palace XI: Henderson, Guehi, Lacroix, Richards, Mitchell, Hughes, Wharton, Clyne, Pino, Nketiah, Mateta.

Subs: Benitez, Lerma, Uche, Esse, Canvot, Sosa, Rodney, Devenny, Drakes-Thomas.

Image source, Getty Images

There are eight games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Newcastle v Chelsea (12:30)

• Bournemouth v Burnley

• Brighton v Sunderland - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Manchester City v West Ham - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Wolves v Brentford

• Tottenham v Liverpool (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Everton v Arsenal (20:00)

• Leeds v Crystal Palace (20:00)

Kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Man City v West Ham" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Tottenham v Liverpool", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

If Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin had hit this run of form a little bit earlier, he would have been my vote for Sports Personality of the Year.

Calvert-Lewin has scored four goals in four games and his leap to score against Brentford last week was incredible.

Fair play to Leeds boss Daniel Farke too. I've said it before, but I am delighted for him.

He was written off a few weeks ago as not being able to manage in the Premier League and it felt as if some people were waiting for him to be sacked. He has proved them all wrong.

Farke's side are always a handful at home and will relish the challenge of getting another good result on Saturday, but I can see this being a very close contest.

Crystal Palace are the counter-attack kings and they are especially effective away from home - they have won their past three matches on the road and have the best away record in the Premier League this season with five wins, a draw and only two defeats from eight games so far.

So, do I go with the energy of Leeds or back streetwise Palace?

I am tempted to go with Oliver Glasner's side to nick it but they have got a Europa Conference League game to contend with on Thursday, which has stretched them in the past.

They are going to miss Ismaila Sarr, too, who has gone to Afcon with Senegal, so on that basis I am going for another draw instead.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Henry Cowling
BBC Sport journalist

Leeds will be hoping to continue an encouraging run of three games without defeat when they welcome Crystal Palace to Elland Road on Saturday. BBC Sport looks at some of the key themes going into the match.

Leeds looking more potent

Leeds have enjoyed an improvement in attacking output since Daniel Farke changed his system to a 3-5-2 for the second half of their narrow loss to Manchester City. They have scored nine goals in 315 minutes since that point, with striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin on the scoresheet in all four games.

Despite scoring just once last time out against Brentford, Leeds recorded an impressive 18 shots and racked up an xG of 1.39. It continues a positive trend in their numbers over the past three and a half games.

They have had 54 shots in that time, averaging 13.5 per game - an improvement on the average of 11.4 per game previously. They are also creating better quality chances.

Palace's post-Europe blues

Crystal Palace could not halt a winless home run lasting over a decade against Manchester City last weekend, losing 3-0 to Pep Guardiola's side. However, the result could have been very different if Palace had taken their chances. Oliver Glasner's side recorded an xG of 2.08 compared to City's 1.19, and had 21 more touches in the opposition box than the visitors.

It is the sixth time out of seven so far this season that Palace have failed to win a Premier League game directly after a Conference League match, drawing two and losing four. They have failed to win all five of their league games that have come after a league phase match in the Conference League.

The Eagles come into this game off the back of another European fixture – they drew with Finnish champions KuPS with a heavily rotated team on Thursday night.

That was the first of eight matches in 23 days for Palace's thinly stretched squad, and their failure to win means they will have a two-legged Conference League play-off to navigate in February.

The latest episode of the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast has just landed - and it is a "non-relegation special".

BBC Radio Leeds' Jonny Buchan and Adam Pope went down to The Brudenell Social Club in Leeds with Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix to record in front of a live audience.

In the first part, the trio were joined by former Leeds United manager Simon Grayson to discuss the club's current position in the Premier League, his managerial spell at Elland Road, striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Daniel Farke's long-term future, and the January transfer window.

You can watch part one below...

In the second part, the trio were joined by 1992 First Division title-winner Jon Newsome and The Athletic's Beren Cross to take questions from the audience of Leeds United fans.

Listen to part two of the podcast on BBC Sounds

Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds United defender Jaka Bijol hopes the team's change of shape will "make it harder for their opponents" as he reflects on improved recent performances.

On Saturday, 17th-placed Leeds welcome Crystal Palace to Elland Road with the Eagles in fifth but facing three games in six days due to their Conference League and Carabao Cup commitments.

Bijol is encouraged by good results against Chelsea and Liverpool and feels that since changing formation, Leeds are now a different proposition.

"It's one of those things when it works better than something else," he told BBC Radio Leeds.

"Having one formation makes it easier for our opponents, so now it makes it harder for everyone to prepare for us."

After coming from behind to save a point at Brentford last Sunday, Bijol believes Leeds will not be intimidated by their visitors, despite Palace currently sitting fifth in the table.

"As per any Premier League team they have a big squad and they are ready to change it up," Bijol said. "Everyone at that level are top players that can come on and make a difference.

"I am sure they will be ready for Saturday night to come and perform but I am sure we will 100% give our all.

"We know we are able to score and one goal doesn't throw us off."

Listen to the full clip

Image source, Getty Images

In the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show, ex-manager Sam Allardyce for a wide-ranging chat about being a head coach in elite football.

The man affectionately known as Big Sam - who managed Newcastle, West Ham, Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Everton and Leeds among others - breaks down the principles that sustained his career, why he regrets not confronting criticism of his playing style sooner and why he's encouraged by the league's evolution this season.

He also reflects on working with Wayne - how he wishes he'd managed him earlier and why he never wanted to sub him off, alongside sharing why he was so disappointed not to be given longer with the Toffees.

Plus, Allardyce also reveals some classic dressing room stories - from warning a player he had 30 minutes to save himself after a champagne night out, to urging Palace chairman Steve Parish to speak his mind to the squad after a bad defeat.

Watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Crystal Palace at Elland Road (20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Farke said he has the "same group of players available" as he did for last weekend's draw at Brentford.

• Dan James is not expected to return until the new year: "No surgery. So, thank God, it's the conservative route, but it will still be about eight weeks in total before he can return to team training. And then let's see how quickly he can be back to full speed."

• On Sean Longstaff: "He is progressing in his rehab, also doing individual stuff on the pitch, running and a little bit with a ball. But the first step will be for him to be integrated into team training and then, of course, a few training sessions to be available. Then, we decide, from game to game and from day to day."

• Lukas Nmecha will also miss Palace's visit: "Lukas is also out of the next game. He's still a bit symptomatic."

• On Eagles boss Oliver Glasner, who Farke faced in the Bundesliga: "Fantastic job, not just with Crystal Palace but before in the Bundesliga. Quality is always defined by what you do over a long-term period and that is what Oliver is delivering."

• Asked what has changed for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to find form, Farke said: "He had a lack of game time over the last few years. A lot of small injuries. It was key to take care of him so he can train and stay fit. You need a few weeks to get the confidence in your body and your game back. Right now you can see the rewards."

• Can Calvert-Lewin find his way back into the England squad? "He’s done it before. Quite a few caps for England and quite a good goal record. His quality and potential was and is never in doubt."

• On Joel Piroe, who has started just twice in the league so far this season: "Finishing is world-class - such a great character. When we're not dominant in the game sometimes you need more pace or physicality. Right now, there are not many games when we can be dominant. Still definitely in my plans."

• Farke is not anticipating departures in January: "I have no indication that anyone wants to leave. All players with us are part of my plans. They should all be desperate to be in the squad. This is how you have quality. You always have to choose an XI and disappoint another XI."

• However, he is also wary of trying to bring in players: "It is a difficult market, just a limited number of players available. If you sign in the summer, you have whole of pre-season to prepare. January is difficult because a player is a problem who has an injury or not much game time - or you have to spend a lot. You need many things to come together."

• He added: "We always have to stay awake, if we find someone who makes our group better and is affordable - we have to be prepared."

Listen to Farke's news conference on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Ex-Leeds manager Simon Grayson believes no other manager candidate understands the city and the club as much as current boss Daniel Farke.

Pressure on the Leeds manager has lessened since victory over Chelsea and a spirited draw with Liverpool and Grayson agrees that a change of tactics have helped strengthen Farke's position.

"It's amazing how stumbling on a system and bowing to fans pressure by playing two up front can get you some results," Grayson told a special live episode of BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast.

"Sometimes you stumble on a system and full credit to Daniel [Farke] that at 2-0 down at the Etihad, he decided to change it. I look at our group of players and the system he is playing now suits this group of players.

"He knows the players, he understands the supporters, he understands the city and that all plays a part in the relationship that you have as a manager. Sometimes as a manager, all you need to be given is a little bit extra time when you are going through a tough time and you can come through that."

While he praised Leeds for not sacking Farke before Christmas, Grayson was reluctant to assume the manager will definitely be in post at the end of this campaign.

"I think it's difficult to say to stick with him for the rest of the season," he said. "When somebody gets promoted, they should be given the opportunity until January or February to get players used to it.

"The difference between the Championship and the Premier League is huge. The level of quality is huge. I'm an advocate for managers getting as long as you want, you should get a four year contract and nobody gets sacked!

"It would have been a big call if other managers were available, like Sean Dyche or Nuno Espirito Santo. That would have maybe asked a question. But because they weren't there, I don't think there is anybody better out there in terms of knowing the club.

Listen to the full episode here

Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

Leeds United are unlikely to spend about £25m to sign AC Milan and Mexico striker Santiago Gimenez, and will instead eye a short-term loan deal for a new forward during the January transfer window. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

In the latest episode of the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Kaiser Chiefs' bassist Simon Rix were joined by special guests and listeners for a live show at the Brudenell Social Club in Leeds.

Former Leeds manager Simon Grayson gave his thoughts on current boss Daniel Farke and how he needs time at the club in order to get results.

Listen to the full episode here

Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

Image source, Getty Images

I popped down to Brentford at the weekend to make a judgement about the Bees and their visitors Leeds United.

Like a whole bunch of other clubs buzzing around that part of the table, both are just as likely to be battling against the last relegation spot as they are to be comfortably mid-table come May.

Leeds looked among the favourites to fall before they hit what should have been the most difficult run of games of the season. They only picked up four points from 12 against Aston Villa, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, but their performances have given them a direct shot of self-belief into the heart of the team.

It also helped that they recently stumbled into a new 3-5-2 system that suits their players perfectly.

They aren't out of the woods yet, but they can certainly see the sunlit lands of Premier League survival shining through in the distance.

Sign up to read more from Pat Nevin in his Football Extra newsletter