Leeds United’s 1-1 draw at Luton Town has sparked concerns about their struggles in early kick-offs. The team has won only twice in their last 14 matches that started before 1:30 pm, with West Brom and Portsmouth beating them in recent weeks. This trend has led to worries that Leeds might miss out on automatic promotion.
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg believes he understands why Leeds struggles in early kick-offs. “I hated early kick-offs,” he says. “Nutrition was a challenge, and the atmosphere in stadiums was different with fewer fans having alcohol.” Clattenburg thinks this might affect Leeds’ performance, particularly at home, where their passionate fans usually create a hostile atmosphere.
Leeds’ diet and preparation might also play a role in their struggles. Matt Smith, a former Leeds striker, noted that footballers might not be accustomed to eating a heavy meal like pasta and chicken breast early in the day. The atmosphere at early kick-offs can also be less intense, as fans might not have as much time to get into the game.
Leeds manager Daniel Farke argued that the draw was a “good point” for his team, but fans are growing increasingly frustrated. The team will face two more early kick-offs in their final six league matches, against Preston North End and Plymouth Argyle. Despite the challenges, Farke remains optimistic, saying, “This was a hard-fought point. We knew it would be a difficult game today.”
