Leeds United could face a stern challenge ahead when they lock horns with Leicester City at Elland Road on Monday. Despite a convincing 3-0 win over Aston Villa in the last game, Marcelo Bielsa will be well aware of the quality Leicester possess, so the priority for the Leeds players will be to win key personal battles throughout the game.
Here, at The 4th Official, we take a look at three key personal duels that could go a long way in deciding the outcome of this fixture.
Three key personal duels in Leeds vs Leicester City clash
Robin Koch Vs Jamie Vardy
Robin Koch has had an eventful start to his Premier League career so far, after joining Leeds United in the summer. And with Diego Llorente out injured and doubts lingering over the fitness of Liam Cooper, he has now emerged as a leading figure in the club’s backline, notably starring in the win over Aston Villa.
The German, however, will face one of the most difficult challenges in his short Premier League career when he faces Jamie Vardy on Monday. The Leicester City man is regarded as one of the finest forwards in the league and has recently returned to full fitness, with the striker notably scoring the winner against Arsenal in the last league fixture.
Preventing the English international from finding a clear sight on goal should be the main objective for the home side here and Koch, in that regard, will be tasked with the responsibility of doing so.
Mateusz Klich Vs Youri Tielemans
Youri Tielemans is slowing returning to his best after a bit of a mixed campaign last time out. However, the Belgian will be dealt with a tricky test against Leeds United’s enforcer Mateusz Klich on Monday.
Klich, who has mostly operated in the advanced midfield role for Leeds, is the club’s main cog in the second line of press. His ability to hurry and hassle the ball carriers, combined with his aggression, tenacity and physique, could be key in denying Leicester City midfielders from dominating the game in the middle of the park.
So the onus will be on Tielemans to deal with the dynamic Klich, and the outcome of this duel could have key consequences in regards to the overall balance of the match.
Patrick Bamford Vs Jonny Evans
Jonny Evans suffered the little niggle against Arsenal and had to be dropped out in the midweek fixture, just before the game. But having been rested over the midweek period, the key Leicester City defender will hope to make a return to the starting lineup.
The ex-Man United star’s presence in the middle of the Leicester defence could be critical as the Foxes look to deal with the threat of one of Premier League’s most in-form strikers this season in the shape of Patrick Bamford.
Fresh from scoring a hat-trick against Villa, the ex-Chelsea starlet is heading into this game full of confidence, though it will be interesting to see how he manages to get past the defensive combination of Evans and Wesley Fofana.
