Leeds United vs Watford
Leeds United’s second season back in the Premier League has been rocky ride. And although they’ve yet to get their first win this season, the Whites should have enough time to break out of their rut.
As of the moment, the Whites are submerged in the relegation zone, placing 18th with only three points after the first six matchdays.
On the other hand, their visitors in Watford are sitting comfortably at the 12th spot with seven points.
Watford have bounced in and out of the Premier League in recent years and it is nothing new to them, although they’d prefer to extend their stay in the English top-flight for a bit longer this time.
After a horrible start to this season, Xisco Munoz’s side have picked up points in their last two matches and they’re coming at Elland Road with confidence.
Today, SBOTOP examines these two clubs here in this match preview.
Talking Points
Make or break for Leeds United
It’s been a tough few weeks for Leeds United given their poor Premier League 2021 results. However, a large part of it is because they’ve been ravaged by injuries.
The Whites had to deal with the Hammers without several first-team players and they eventually lost at home with a score of 2-1.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side looked like they were on their way to grab their first win when Raphinha struck at the 19th minute. However, the Hammers turned the tables through an own goal by Junior Firpo as well as Michail Antonio’s added time score.
Leeds United’s defence was suspect in the said fixture especially with the likes of Pascal Struijk, Diego Llorente, Robin Koch, and Luke Ayling all sidelined because of injuries of suspension.
Patrick Bamford was also out for the first time in the Premier League with Leeds since suffering an ankle injury against Newcastle earlier this month. He is doubtful to play this weekend along with Raphinha – who has been bothered by a hip knock.
The only good news heading into this match is that they’ll get a boost with the return of Pascal Struijk, who has completed his three-game suspension following his red card versus Liverpool.
Watford hold Leeds’ kryptonite in Ismaila Sarr
Leeds United would have to throw everything but the kitchen sink to slow down Ismaila Sarr, who’s currently in red-hot form.
The Senegalese winger is the danger man for Xisco Munoz since he’s currently the top scorer for the Hornets with four so far.
Ismaila Sarr’s electric speed and ballhandling are his primary weapons, but he is also adept in creating chances for his fellow attackers like Joshua King and Emmanuel Bonaventure.
For the month of September, Leeds United faced the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Allan Saint-Maximin, and Michail Antonio, and they’ve yet to figure out a way to keep those pacey forwards at bay.
Although Sarr isn’t in the same quality as the aforementioned strikers yet, he is poised to have a field day facing the Whites’ porous backline.
History
The overall head-to-heads between Leeds United and Watford are as close as it gets. In their 19 matches together prior to this weekend, the Whites and the Hornets have shared seven wins apiece along with five draws.
Saturday marks the first time since the 1999/00 season where Leeds United and Watford face off anew in the Premier League. In the said year, the Whites achieved a double over the Hornets with an aggregate tally of 5-2.
But Watford have been the superior club against Leeds United recently as they’re unbeaten in their last five visits at Elland Road (W3, D2) while netting 16 goals in the process.
Moreover, this will be the first encounter between these two clubs in all competitions since 2016 where Watford beat Leeds United 1-0 in the FA Cup.
Betting Tip
 |
 |
Leeds United vs Watford | Leeds United Asian Handicap -0.75 @ 1.95 |
| October 2, 22:00 (GMT+8) |
Despite a gloomy start to their campaign, the Premier League 2021 odds offer a positive outlook for Leeds United at least in this game.
Leeds United are installed as the favourites to win at 1.75, while Watford are priced at 4.30 and chances for a draw are at 3.75 in the 1X2 market.
Goals are to be expected from both sides especially with their leaky defences, so this match is just a matter on which attacking unit is the more efficient one.
Such playstyle is conducive for Leeds United and perhaps the raucous crowd over at Elland Road could give them the jolt that they need to finally get their first win of the 2021/22 season.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
 = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
|
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
