Leeds United haven't lived up their billing as EFL Championship favourites so far and head to Sheffield Wednesday looking to rack up their first win of the new campaign.
Daniel Farke's men were expected to push on after losing in the play-off final term but that hasn't been the case so far. Back-to-back draws in the Championship against Portsmouth and West Brom have come either side of a thrashing by Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup so Leeds desperately need a win at Hillsborough.
Losing key players certainly hasn't helped Farke, with main man Crysencio Summerville sold to West Ham, youngster Archie Gray moving to Tottenham and Georginio Rutter 0n his way to Brighton.
That has left them looking a bit punchless in attack and it will be fascinating to see how they get on against a Sheffield Wednesday side who have blown hot and cold so far.
Danny Rohl's men started the season in style by battering Plymouth 4-0 at home then beating Hull on the road in the Carabao Cup. But they came crashing down to earth with a 4-0 loss at Sunderland on Sunday so they will also be looking to bounce back in this Friday night clash.
How the bookies view it: Out-of-sorts Leeds still hot favourites
I'm surprised to see Leeds United as Betfred's 4/5 hot favourites given their poor form so far. Sheffield Wednesday look overpriced at 3/1 with home advantage while the draw pays 23/10.
Recent head to head: Hillsborough a happy hunting ground
Leeds United won 2-0 at Hillsborough last term and are unbeaten on their last three visits. But this fixture has been competitive in recent seasons, with the last 10 games producing four Leeds wins, three Sheffield Wenesday victories and three draws.
Players to watch: Lowe with the flow
Jamal Lowe has started up for Sheffield Wednesday in their first two games and should get the nod again, He scored against Plymouth and is 16/5 for anytime scorer which looks overpriced.
Patrick Bamford has yet to start in the league for Leeds this season but may get the nod here after his side drew a blank at West Brom. The experienced striker is 7/4 for anytime scorer.
Probable teams
Rohl may be tempted to make a few changes after such a heavy defeat at Sunderland. Bamford could come back in for youngster Mateo Joseph as Leeds try to find a spark up front again.
Sheffield Wednesday: Beadle, M Lowe, Bernard, Iorfa, Valery, Ingelsson, Bannan, Windass, Smith, Musaba, J Lowe.
Leeds United: Meslier, Bogle, Firpo, Struijk, Rodon, Ampadu, Aaronson, Piroe, Gnonto, Gruev, Bamford.
Anything else catch the eye?
Going for goals backfired on me when Leeds drew that blank at The Hawthorns but all of Sheffield Wednesday's matches have produced plenty of action so far. That makes me thing we should goals at both ends here and combining BTTS with over 2.5 strikes pays 11/10 at Bet365.
With Leeds United out of sorts the value could lie with Sheffield Wednesday in this game and they are 10/11 in the double chance, which looks well worth a punt.
I'm expecting it to be close and the half-time draw is always good value when teams are evenly matched. It pays 6/5 at Betfred here.
This England Championship match between Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United will be played on Aug 23, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Sheffield Wednesday vs Leeds United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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