Leeds United play host to Swansea City in the Championship on Wednesday night looking to keep the pressure on second-placed Ipswich Town.
At a time when the home side occupy third position in the standings, Swansea are back down in 17th spot after a mixed period of form.
Match preview
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On the back of defeating leaders Leicester City on away territory, the assumption was that Leeds would make light work of the likes of Plymouth Argyle and Rotherham United.
Instead, Daniel Farke has witnessed his side perform below their best, with Leeds struggling over the line against Plymouth before the international break ahead of the return to action against the Millers.
An early goal put the Yorkshire giants in control against their hosts, only for a goal to be conceded just before half time which allowed the strugglers to earn a share of the spoils.
In the long run, Leeds have still won six of their last eight games in the Championship, yet they can ill-afford to drop points if they wish to close the gap on the top two.
Even though Ipswich lost 2-0 at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday evening, Leeds are still seven points adrift of the Tractor Boys ahead of this encounter.
Swansea had appeared to have turned a corner when they won four games in succession after a slow start under Michael Duff, yet that has soon changed.
Just five points have been collected from their six most recent fixtures, even though just one defeat has been posted in four outings.
On paper, a 2-2 draw against opponents in Hull City who sit many places above them in the table could be regarded as a positive result, but Swansea gave up a two-goal lead that they had established after 23 minutes.
With Swansea still eight points above the relegation zone, it would be unjust if Duff came under any significant pressure, yet there will be an acknowledgement that he needs to instigate a revival to keep his team no more than eight points behind the top six.
Team News
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Although Farke may freshen up his Leeds side, Georginio Rutter came through 70 minutes against Rotherham despite an abdominal strain and should start this contest.
Wilfried Gnonto is an option on the right flank ahead of Daniel James, while Joel Piroe will face his former club Swansea for the first time since his summer exit.
Pascal Struijk is on standby to replace Liam Cooper, who needed to be substituted in the final 10 minutes versus Rotherham with a minor hamstring injury.
Harry Darling is expected to be drafted into the Swansea XI as a replacement for Harrison Ashby, who was withdrawn after just 10 minutes versus Hull.
While Charlie Patino is an obvious candidate to be recalled and Liam Cullen is back from suspension, Duff could keep changes to a minimum.
Leeds United possible starting lineup:
Meslier; Gray, Rodon, Struijk, Firpo; Ampadu, Kamara; Gnonto, Piroe, Summerville; Rutter
Swansea City possible starting lineup:
Rushworth; Darling, Cabango, Humphreys, Tymon; Fulton, Grimes; Cooper, Paterson, Lowe; Yates
We say: Leeds United 2-1 Swansea City
With Leeds having been below their best either side of the international break, Swansea will sense an opportunity to get back on track. Nevertheless, we cannot ignore Leeds' superior firepower - particularly at Elland Road - and it leaves us to predict a hard-earned win for the home side.
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