Leeds Face Ultimate Away Test at Villa Park Amid Travel Woes
While Leeds United have shown significant signs of improvement in recent months, manager Daniel Farke faces a mounting crisis regarding the team’s form away from Elland Road. This Saturday’s trip to face Unai Emery’s Aston Villa looms as a major challenge for a side that has struggled to replicate its home heroics on the road.
The Elland Road Fortress vs. The Road Record
The disparity between Leeds’ performances at home and their results on their travels is stark. Since December, the Whites have become a formidable force at Elland Road, taking points off heavyweights like Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United.
However, the “away” statistics tell a much bleaker story:
- Winless Streak: Farke’s men are currently on a 10-game winless run in away Premier League fixtures, dating back to mid-September.
- Lone Victory: Their solitary away win this season came against bottom-of-the-table Wolves.
- Bottom of the Pile: Only Burnley and Wolves have a worse away record than Leeds this term.
Signs of Resilience
Despite the lack of wins, there are small signs of progress. Leeds have managed to grind out five draws in their last several away outings—including tough points at Anfield and Stamford Bridge—proving they are becoming harder to beat. Furthermore, recent FA Cup successes at Derby and Birmingham have shown that the squad can find the back of the net and win outside of West Yorkshire.
The Villa Park Challenge
Aston Villa remains a daunting opponent, having already beaten Leeds 2-1 back in November thanks to a Morgan Rogers brace. While Unai Emery’s side has shown some recent vulnerability, Farke knows that ending the 10-game winless streak will require a near-perfect performance.
Leeds Away Form Since September:
Losses: Burnley, Brighton, Nottingham Forest, Man City, Newcastle.
Draws: Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Sunderland, Brentford.
