Leeds United have been formidable under the Elland Road lights this season.
James Justin believes Elland Road becomes a ‘different beast’ when Leeds United play under the floodlights - having been on both sides of the atmosphere.
Leeds have won all five Premier League home games to have kicked off at 8pm or later this season, with a raucous evening atmosphere getting the best out of Daniel Farke’s squad. In fact, the Whites boss has not lost in 21 night games at Elland Road - a quite incredible record.
Saturday against Manchester City kicks off at the slightly earlier time of 5.30pm but given it’s February, the floodlights will be on and Elland Road will no doubt be rocking. And Justin - who was part of a Leicester City side to lose 3-1 in a night game two years ago - knows how much different that atmosphere can make.
“I've been the opposition going into a night game at Elland Road, and it's just crazy. It just turns into a different beast,” he told BBC Radio Leeds. “I don't know what it is about the night games, but it's been a pleasure to play under the lights at Elland Road this season - and in every game, to be honest.
“The support you get is so infectious. Obviously, it plays a hand in everything we do on the pitch and how we’re feeling. As long as we have that support for the rest of the season, I think we'll be alright.”
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s brilliant night game record
Evening kick-offs seem to get the best out of Dominic Calvert-Lewin too, with all five of his Elland Road strikes coming in a 5.30pm or later fixture. The free agent arrival reached double figures for the season with an improvised finish against Nottingham Forest earlier this month while also netting against Crystal Palace, Liverpool and Chelsea under the lights.
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Title contenders City will provide Leeds with one of their toughest home tests this season on Saturday, having won their last five across all competitions. But their presence will only add to the occasion and once those floodlights are on, anything can happen.
“Elland Road under the lights has been so enjoyable this season, And that's the word I'd use to describe it: enjoyable,” Calvert-Lewin added. “I think when you enjoy your football, you enjoy the occasion, it makes you play your best.
“And the fans have really, really helped us on nights like that. Some of our best performances and best results have come during night games at Elland Road. So it's something I really look forward to.”
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