Former Leeds and Sheffield United player Michael Brown has predicted an open, attacking game when Leeds take on Sheffield United on Saturday.
Talking on BBC Radio Leeds (The Noel Whelan Show, Friday, 6pm), Brown added that the result would come down to one bit of quality or luck from either side.
He was also full of praise for Marcelo Bielsa, who he says has given Leeds the key to winning and the belief that they belong at the top of the league.
“This is what the Leeds supporters have wanted. To play in a game like this, what an occasion,” Brown said.
Noel Whelan asked him, “What will it come down to tomorrow?”
“That little bit of quality, that bit of luck. There are two fantastic managers. Both managers will want an attacking game, the players will be cautious, especially early on, but who’s got that bit of quality, that bit of composure? I am expecting an open game.”
Brown said that Leeds were under more pressure than Sheffield United. “It’s been such a long time, the supporters are so desperate to get back in the Premier League.”
He also said that Leeds have a mental toughness this season that they haven’t had before – and said it comes from Marcelo Bielsa.
“I think it’s the manager and the position they’re in in the league. It’s the detail he’s given them, how to win, and they believe it and they’ve got that confidence. And that’s what’s taken them on to where they are.”
OPINION
It’s almost time and Brown, who has played for both Leeds and Sheffield United, is expecting an open, attacking game that could hinge on one moment of quality. His verdict on Bielsa is fascinating. He claims that Bielsa has taught his side the secret of winning, and that they now believe they’re good enough to be where they are. And it’s been an amazing turnaround for the squad that finished 13th last season with effectively the same squad. That proves the worth of a good manager and whatever happens Bielsa has written another successful chapter in his career after blips with Lazio and Lille. Brown also thinks that Leeds have got more pressure on them tomorrow but they’ve been dealing with that well recently. They’ve won five of the last six, the same as Sheffield United and Norwich, and a win on Saturday in front of an expectant Elland Road crowd would be huge for them. It would leave them five points clear of Sheffield United with eight games left to play. And that would make them huge favourites to finally secure their place back in the Premier League.