Sheffield United vs Leeds United: The Stats Battle | OneFootball

Before tonight’s game when stats go out of the window somewhat because it’s a derby, or it’s the Championship or the eye test is best.

Here are the statistical strengths and weaknesses of the Championship’s top two. Ahead of Sheffield United versus Leeds United.

Home and Away form

Leeds have won the most home games of any side this season with 14 wins at Elland Road. Picking up a total of 44 points thanks to two additional draws, only losing once at home. The Blades are a close second with 12 wins, two draws and two losses adding up to 38 points.

Where the Blades have the upper hand is away form and a better balance of positive results at home or on the road. The Blades have won 10 and drawn 4 away games this season picking up 34 points.

Whereas Leeds have won just seven leaving them in third place behind the Blades and Burnley on away points and wins. Leeds main issue away from home is their 7 draws. Leading to just 28 away points being picked up but one less away loss than the Blades.

Ultimately, Leeds have created a better fortress in Elland Road, whilst the Blades have been more consistent regardless of the venue.

Goals Scored and Conceded

Goals Scored

Leeds United have currently scored 68 Championship goals. Farke’s side are currently ahead of their xG of 64.3. Of their 68 goals, Leeds have scored 55 from open play, eight from set-pieces and three from penalties. Plus, they have benefitted from two own goals.

The Blades have scored 47 Championship goals this season with 32 from open play, eight from set-pieces, one free-kick and three penalties. Plus 3 own goals. The Blades similarly to Leeds are performing above the xG of 44.2.

Leeds have the better open play goal percentage of 81% compared to the Blades 68%. With open play goals being the difference maker in Leeds better goalscoring form due to the identical numbers in other categories.

The Blades have proven more clinical missing 33 big chances (21st most in the League) compared to Leeds 54 missed big chances (3rd most in the league).

Goals Conceded

Despite, a great start to the season from Michael Cooper and his defence. The Blades have conceded 23 goals, three more than Leeds’ 20 goals conceded. Additionally, despite banter being thrown at Illan Meslier. Leeds’ Keeper and his defence have kept three more clean sheets (20) than the Blades’ 18 clean sheets.

The two sides are barely separable when comparing their goals conceded per match. With Leeds conceding 0.6 per game and the Blades conceding 0.7 per game.

Similarly to the three penalties scored by both sides. Both teams have faced three penalties from the opposition. The Blades have faced three penalties and Leeds have faced two. With Michael Cooper against Sunderland being the only penalty save.

The Blades keeper also makes more saves per 90 at 2.5 to Leeds’ 1.5 per 90. It suggests that Leeds have been better defensively preventing Meslier from facing the ball. But also that Cooper and Davies (opening game) have done well to keep the Blades 3rd in the clean sheets chart.

Defensively

The Blades complete more tackles per match (10.9) to Leeds’ 9.4 tackles per 90. The Blades also have a better clearances per 90 of 24.8 compared to Leeds’ 15.4 per match. With Leeds having the lowest amount of clearances per 90 of any side in the division. Although, this can be a positive or a negative. The Blades clear the ball more, but Leeds can play it out from the back and not end up in positions where a clearance is needed.

As an attacking team with the most goals in the league. It is unsurprising that Leeds are the second best side at winning possession in the final third. Leeds win the ball in the final third on average 5.2 times per 90. Whereas, the Blades average 3.7. Leeds’ ability to win the ball back high up the pitch should be a concern tonight. One the Blades will need to address in order to get three points from the game.

Passing and Possession

Leeds lead the league for average possession per 90 with 61.4% compared to the Blades average possession of 50.7%. It is therefore likely that Leeds will dominate tonight’s game in terms of possession. Making it even more important for the Blades to start quickly and get in front early. In order to throw Leeds off their rhythm for as long as possible.

Leeds have a better pass accuracy across the season of 86.6% compared to the Blades’ 81.9%. However, opposingly, the Blades play more long balls per 90 (23.1) to Leeds’ 17.4. Therefore, it will be important for the Blades to keep an eye on Leeds passing moves. Before trying to progress forward with long balls.

From an attacking perspective the Blades should look out when defending Leeds near the byline. Leeds have had 246 corners so far this season to the Blades’ 177. Therefore, the Blades defence need to be aware of Leeds’ wingers and full-backs looking to win corners. Aiming to get the ball out for a throw instead.

Takeaways

Ultimately, from a statistical point of view, many sides will struggle to better Farke’s side. The league leaders have been statistically very strong across the pitch. Even outperforming the second-placed Blades across most statistics in the league. It is therefore, surprising that the West Yorkshire side haven’t pulled away more given that without a points deduction. The two sides are both on 72 points.

Sheffield United, on the other hand, have also been good statistically. But to beat Leeds tonight the Blades have to make the most of home advantage. Leeds poor away record relative to their home form is one of their main weaknesses. Next the Blades need to start quickly given Leeds’ ability to dominate possession. An early goal can relieve some pressure and make Leeds chase the game potentially disrupting their possession-based football.

Furthermore, it may be a good decision to stick to the tactics that have worked all season. Reverting back to the back-five will again play into Leeds’ hands. Sitting back and waiting for a chance against Leeds is most likely going to end in defeat for the Blades.