MATCH FACTS
THE OPPOSITION
Marcelo Bielsa's second season at Elland Road would have to go some to match the drama of his first. Spygate, run-ins with Derby County, an almost flawless first-half of the season followed by a Spring collapse, all before eventual Play-Off defeat, added up to a whirlwind 12 months for United. Through it all the Argentinian, and his trusty blue bucket, became folk heros to the Leeds faithful.
Having come so close last season, this year's Bookies favourites have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the campaign, taking seven points from their opening three Sky Bet Championship matches. A 3-1 opening day win at Bristol City was followed up by a 1-1 draw at home to Nottingham Forest before Saturday's 2-0 success on the road at Wigan Athletic. In the midst of those league outings progress was also made in the Carabao Cup; United overcoming Salford City 3-0 in the First Round.
Patrick Bamford currently sits joint-top of the Championship scoring charts with three, having netted both against Wigan on Saturday.
Against a backdrop of cost-cutting, Pontus Jansson, Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Jack Clarke, who was subsequently loaned back by Tottenham Hotspur, Malik Wilks, Samu Saiz, Hadi Sacko, and Tom Pearce all departed over the summer as, in total, 18 players left the club. United made only one permanent signing, Carlisle United's Liam McCarron, but did bring Ben White, Jack Harrison, Eddie Nketiah, and Helder Costa in on loan.
THE MANAGER
Marcelo Bielsa retired at the age of 25 after a playing career with the likes of Newell's Old Boys and Instituto in the late 1970s. He worked with the youth set-up at Newell's for most of the 1980s before taking the main job in 1990. Bielsa spent two years in charge at his former club before, following spells in Mexico and back in Argentina, he moved to Europe in 1998.
He had a brief spell as Espanyol manager before leaving to take on the job of Argentina's national coach, leading them to the 2002 FIFA World Cup and Gold at the 2004 Olympics. From there he went on to manage Chile, taking them to the Last 16 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Spells at Athletic Bilbao, Marseille, Lazio, and LOSC Lille followed before he was appointed Leeds boss 14 months ago.
TEAM NEWS
Kamohelo Mokotjo and Mads Bech Sorensen are definite absentees for tonight's visit to Leeds. Said Benrahma and Christian Norgaard made their first appearances of the season during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Hull City, a game which Ethan Pinnock missed, giving Thomas extra options to work.
Leeds captain Liam Cooper and left-back Barry Douglas are both doubts. If Douglas does miss out then Stuart Dallas is likely to switch from right to left-back, with Jamie Shackleton to play right-back.
THOMAS' PRE-MATCH PRESS
PRE-MATCH FEATURES
🆚 The Athletic's Phil Hay looks ahead to tonight's game
⚖ Ref Watch: Andy Davies takes charge at Elland Road
LAST MEETING
TICKET INFO
Ticket sales have closed for tonight's game and there will be No Pay on the Day.
HOW TO FOLLOW
iFollow Brentford will be live from 7.35pm with Chris Wickham and Dave Morley bringing live commentary of our Elland Road trip. Supporters in the UK and Ireland will also be able to watch tonight's game live on iFollow.
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