Leeds sit top of the overall xGF and xGA totals for the season as a whole, which gives them a real case to be considered as the best overall team in the Championship so far, even if they don’t quite sit at the top of the league… yet.

Stoke are struggling from a defensive perspective, sitting 2nd-bottom of the league for xGA, so it looks to be a difficult task for them to keep Leeds out. Unfortunately, Stoke also failed to score recently in home matches against Burnley and Preston, and Leeds are giving up the fewest chances in the league.

Taking into account Stoke’s recent 0-0 draws against Preston and Burnley at home, this fixture could set out the same way from a tactical perspective.

However, Leeds are much more decisive and high quality going forwards than either of those teams and will likely find a way through in the end. It feels unlikely that there will be a high scoring battle here, most of Leeds’ away matches, 8 out of their 10 in the Championship, have ended with 2 total goals or fewer.

The last 2 legs come from our Stoke v Leeds Betting Preview:

“The Japan international has been earning rave reviews since being recruited to play in the centre of midfield.

In terms of betting markets to find Tanaka in, he is best played in the fouls committed market. Tanaka has averaged 1.21 fouls per 90, but it is his consistency of fouls that makes him a good bet in the market. He has committed at least 1 foul in each of his last 12 Championship matches, and 14 in 15 starts overall.”