Leeds United travel to Molineux to face one of their main rivals in the Premier League relegation battle, as they take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in a crucial encounter.
Having got their season off to a perfect start with a 1-0 home win over Everton, Daniel Farke has seen his side’s momentum stall.
Leeds head into the game against Fulham desperately short of goals, with new signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin still waiting for his first goal for the club.
Farke will be hoping that his side comes good against Wolves, who currently sit at the bottom of the Premier League table with zero points from their opening four games.
The two sides have a long history of meeting in relegation clashes, and Farke’s side can take inspiration from the 2004 meeting between the two sides at Elland Road, when Eddie Gray inspired Leeds to a much-needed win.
Alan Smith makes a tackle during Leeds United v Wolverhampton Wanderers
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Eddie Gray and Alan Smith inspire Leeds United in 2004 relegation battle
Leeds came into their clash with Wolves in February 2004 rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table, as the results of the club’s financial mismanagement played out in disastrous fashion.
Club legend Eddie Gray replaced Peter Reid as manager in November of the 2003/04 season and was tasked with steering the club away from relegation. Leeds came into the game against Wolves with just four wins in 24 games and in need of a miracle to save their Premier League status.
In front of a raucous Elland Road crowd, Leeds showed that there was still fight in the team, as Alan Smith led from the front with a typically dynamic display. Leading from the front, Smith scored the opening goal, poking home from close range in front of the Kop after a knockdown from Stephen Caldwell.
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The Leeds fans were stunned into silence after Viorel Ganea fired home from long range, but Dominic Matteo soon put the Whites back in front with a smart finish from just inside the box.
Smith then created Leeds’ third, breaking clear in the box with a smart turn before firing across goal, finding a fresh-faced James Milner at the back post who made no mistake from close range. There was still time for Mark Viduka to twist and turn before shooting home to breathe new hope into Leeds’ survival fight.
Speaking to the BBC after the game, Gray said: “If we hadn’t won, it could have been mission impossible,” as his side climbed above Wolves into 19th place. However, the task would prove too big for Leeds and Gray, as they slipped to relegation at the end of the season.
James Milner evades Denis Irwin during Leeds United v Wolverhampton Wanderers
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Leeds have a strong recent track record against Wolves
Although Leeds sit four points ahead of Wolves after four games, their meeting at Molineux could carry similar significance as Leeds look to beat the odds and stay in the top flight, after their heartbreaking defeat against Fulham.
Farke can take some comfort from Leeds’ recent track record against this weekend’s opponents, as the Whites are currently unbeaten in four games against Wolves in the Premier League.
Leeds’ last top-flight defeat against Wolves came in February 2021, according to 11v11, when they slipped to a 1-0 loss thanks to an own goal from Illan Meslier.
Leeds’ last five Premier League meetings with Wolves
18/03/23 – Wolves 2-4 Leeds
06/08/22 – Leeds 2-1 Wolves
18/03/22 – Wolves 2-3 Leeds
23/10/21 – Leeds 1-1 Wolves
19/02/21 – Wolves 1-0 Leeds
Since then, Leeds have recorded three wins and a draw against Wolves, including a manic 4-2 victory at Molineux during their relegation season.
Having struggled to find the net so far this season, Farke would be delighted to see his Leeds side score four on the road this weekend.