Leeds United’s upcoming match against Wolverhampton Wanderers has fans worried, and rightfully so. With only four points in the Premier League, the Whites are struggling to find their footing. Their latest performance against Fulham was a late-game loss, which could have easily added another point to their tally.
The Problem: Scoring Goals
Leeds United’s main issue lies in their inability to score goals. They’ve managed only one goal so far, with none coming from open play. Lukas Nmecha’s penalty against Everton was a valuable three points, but it doesn’t mask the team’s struggles in front of goal. Considering their impressive 95 goals last season, this is a significant drop in performance.
Stats That Matter
- Expected Goals (xG): Leeds United ranks fifth-worst in the league with 3.8 xG, while Wolves have the lowest with 2.6.
- Shots on Target: Leeds averages only two shots on target per game, with the lowest shot conversion rate at 2.3%.
- Tactical Shift: Leeds has adopted a more passive approach, with a higher PPDA (passes per defensive action) value of 17.0, indicating a deeper and more compact defensive setup.
Potential Solutions
- Willy Gnonto: The Italian player has the X-factor and guile that could make a difference in the game. His starting position against Wolves could be crucial.
- Jack Harrison: With a strong career record against Wolves, Harrison might be a good option for Leeds.
- Tactical Flexibility: Daniel Farke’s emphasis on adaptability could be key to Leeds’ survival this season.
Match Predictions
- Odds: Wolverhampton Wanderers are favored at 2.10, while Leeds United are at 2.74.
- Goals: Under 2.5 goals is the play at 1.72, considering both teams’ struggles in scoring.
- Outcome: A draw is possible, with both teams likely to cancel each other out ¹ ².
