Leeds United’s ninth chapter in avoiding relegation from the Premier League sees Daniel Farke’s side host West Ham at Elland Road, but one stat will cause the Leeds manager some concern.
For both sides, they will face a relegation rival for the second game in a row. On Monday night, West Ham were easily beaten by Brentford at the London Stadium. A 2-0 loss that could have been four or five.
Two days earlier, Burnley beat Leeds at Turf Moor. This defeat was even more frustrating for Leeds fans, given that Farke’s side had dominated with 69% possession and 19 attempts, compared to Burnley’s four.
Now, the two under-pressure sides will meet at Elland Road, with Leeds favourites to go and win the game, given they have home advantage against a side that has only picked up four points this season.
Daniel Farke gestures during Leeds United FC v Burnley FC - Sky Bet Championship
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Leeds have never been able to beat Nuno Espirito Santo before
Farke is expected to make changes, and the returning trio of Dan James, Lucas Perri and Willy Gnonto should at least give the German gaffer a bit more depth when it comes to picking his starting XI.
But worryingly for Leeds, Nuno Espirito Santo has an impeccable record when facing the Yorkshire side. The Portuguese gaffer has faced Leeds on four occasions as manager, all four games with Wolves.
Two in the Championship, two in the Premier League: Wolves won all four. While he is now at West Ham, Leeds will have to do something they’ve never done before to win on Friday – get the better of Nuno.
Date Club Competition Venue Result
22 Nov, 2017 Wolves Championship Molineux 4-1 Wolves
7 March, 2018 Wolves Championship Elland Road 3-0 Wolves
19 Oct, 2020 Wolves Premier League Elland Road 1-0 Wolves
19 Feb, 2021 Wolves Premier League Molineux 1-0 Wolves
Nuno could have been in the Leeds dugout on Friday night
It could have been very different, so much so that Nuno might have been in charge of Leeds on Friday night. A few months before Farke’s appointment, Leeds were looking to replace Jesse Marsch.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
After Leeds failed to attract Andoni Iraola and Arne Slot, and missed out on Julen Lopetegui and Unai Emery, Leeds interviewed Nuno about the job. But Nuno remained at Al-Ittihad and won the league.
Nuno Espirito Santo ahead of a clash between Nottingham Forest and Brentford.
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Leeds hired Javi Gracia instead, and after his brief stint, Sam Allardyce came in for the final four games. Leeds are still reeling from those mistakes now, having only just returned to the Premier League.