Leeds take on Middlesbrough at Elland Road tonight in a top against second clash at the top of the Championship, and Sky pundit David Prutton has it down as a Leeds win.
Writing in his column for Sky, Prutton predicts a 2-1 home win which would send Leeds three points clear at the top of the table.
“This is already looking like it could be a massive game between two of the promotion contenders this season!” Prutton said.
“Whoever comes out on top would go clear in first before the international break, which is a huge incentive.
“Leeds lost their first game of the season in midweek but you can’t imagine a Carabao Cup defeat will derail their early-season optimism too much.
“Middlesbrough won’t make it easy for them, but I fancy Marcelo Bielsa’s side to sneak this one.”
OPINION
It will be fascinating to see how Marcelo Bielsa’s side cope after their first defeat under his reign. He’ll be looking for a reaction and what better place to produce it than at Elland Road against your title rivals? This is a monster game for a Friday night and the atmosphere at a sell-out Elland Road will be incredible. The fans will act as a 12th man for Leeds and we expect them to go at Middlesbrough like their lives depend on it. We can’t see Leeds losing but we’re sure that both sides would take a draw. If Leeds do secure the three points it will be a huge indicator that this early season form is not a fluke and that they’re going to be serious contenders for the title this season, let alone the play-offs. We’re expecting a cracker and we’re expecting both sides to score. 2-1 to Leeds would be a fantastic result for Bielsa.