Leeds v Sheffield Wednesday tips, betting preview and TV details

TV: Sky Football & Main Event, 5.30pm Saturday

Leeds and Sheffield United are locked in a duel for the second Sky Bet Championship automatic promotion place and the Blades’ bitter rivals, Sheffield Wednesday, can do them a favour by avoiding defeat at Elland Road.

Norwich are five points clear of Leeds and have the title at their mercy, but Chris Wilder’s Blades are only one further back in third and the layers are not sure who will chase home the Canaries.

Recent performances from Marcelo’s Bielsa’s men have been discouraging and nothing they have achieved in the last month warrants them being as skinny as they are.

Leeds have suffered a brace of 1-0 defeats against Sheffield United and Birmingham and they needed a late strike from Pablo Hernandez to see off relegation-threatened visitors Millwall 3-2.

Bielsa’s boys were 2-0 winners at Preston on Tuesday but the match was finely poised until North End’s Ben Pearson was dismissed in the 49th minute and the scoreline may be deceiving.

Wednesday have done little wrong since Steve Bruce took over. The Owls have lost only one of their last 14 league games, keeping nine clean sheets, and they will be set up to frustrate the lively hosts.

Wednesday also have an excellent record to protect against the division’s heavyweights. They have pinched points at neighbours Sheffield United, West Brom and Derby, while recording wins at Aston Villa, Bristol City and Middlesbrough.

The Owls will be full of confidence after thumping Nottingham Forest 3-0 on Tuesday and they may spring a surprise.

Recommendation
Sheffield Wednesday or draw double chance
1pt 8-5 bet365

Sky Bet Championship standings

Team news
Leeds
Barry Douglas has been ruled out for the rest of the season, but Marcelo Bielsa has no fresh injury concerns.

Sheffield Wednesday
Barry Bannan could miss out but Sam Hutchinson should be fit to return and Dominic Iorfa and Roland Aarons may also feature.

Key stat
Sheffield Wednesday have drawn four of their last five away games.

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