Preview: Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Leeds United

Preview: Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Leeds United

Wolverhampton Wanderers are set to face Leeds United in a mid-table clash at the Molineux Stadium on Friday night as the two look to fight for a top 10 spot.

The two teams will face off in Wolverhampton, as they both look set to survive for another season within the Premier League.  They currently sit in 11th (Leeds) and 12th (Wolves) within the top tier of English football.

Only two points separate the teams with United leading with 32 points while the Wanderers pick up the rear with 30.

However, if Leeds walk away with the maximum three points it will allow the Yorkshire side to climb above Arsenal (10th), before the Gunners face off with Manchester City on Sunday. Whereas if Wolves win, they will only climb as high as 11th, ahead of Leeds by a single point.

Who to watch?

Leeds

Despite Pablo Hernandez’s 0.64 assists on average per 90 minutes, Patrick Bamford would be the one to watch in the United squad.

Over the season, the Englishman has racked up five assists and scored 12 goals which makes him Leeds’ current, top goalscorer in the domestic league. Bamford is likely to be a big threat for Wolves goalkeeper, Rui Patricio, on Friday as the Portuguese footballer has only managed gain a 64.9 save percentage across this season.

Wolves

Although Raul Jimenez may have the better goal average (0.44), across 90 minutes, Pedro Neto has been the more beneficial player for the Wolverhampton team in the Premier League.

In the Wanderers’ 2020/21 campaign, Neto has made four assists and secured five goals to his name within the top tier of English football. However, these statistics may not hold up against United’s Illan Meslier, as the French goalkeeper has made 82 saves in  his 22 Premier League appearances this season, compared to Patricio’s 49 (in 24 games).

⭐ Most PL goal involvements by U21 players this season:
9 – PEDRO NETO (5 goals/4 assists)
8 – Phil Foden (5/3)
7 – Bukayo Saka (5/2) pic.twitter.com/zlvm18WZOs

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) February 14, 2021

Head-to-Head

Despite Meslier’s good saving record, Leeds don’t seem to favour well at the Molineux Stadium.

The two teams have faced against each other, in Wolverhampton, 26 times – going as far back as to the 1967/68 season.

In 26 clashes, Wolves managed to walk home with three points on 11 occasions while Leeds went home with a win nine times and both walked away with a point six times.

Over the time they have fought at Wolverhampton, the home side has seemed to find the net alot more than the visitors. Wolves have scored more against Leeds with 37 goals to their name while United is close behind with 32.

Verdict: Draw

It seems very difficult to predict the ever-changing behaviour of the Premier League as many games can change in an instant.

While the game, statistically, looks to be in favour of Wolves on Friday, Leeds have proven they are a strong side since their recent promotion from the EFL Championship this season.

In a mid-table clash, it seems the two teams may break open up the scoreline but will likely be locking their heads together and will only manage to leave with a point in their quest for a top 10 finish.

? MATCHDAY!
? @Wolves
?️ Molineux
⏱️ 8pm (UK)

— Leeds United (@LUFC) February 19, 2021

We hope you enjoyed Preview: Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Leeds United! Who do you think will win at the Molineux Stadium on Friday? Let us know in the comments!

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