Daniel Farke’s ‘aggressive’ Sheffield Wednesday warning as Leeds United boss has pitch concern

Daniel Farke says his Leeds United side are up against it on Friday night when travelling to take on Sheffield Wednesday, but insists his title chasers won’t have any fear regarding any aspect of the highly-pressured clash at Hillsborough. Leeds know any misstep is highlighted even greater at this stage of the season as they bid to keep the pressure on Leicester City and Ipswich Town in what is an incredible race for promotion at the top of the Championship.

Each game has the feeling of must-win about it at present such is the incredible pace being set by the trio at the top of the table, but Leeds won’t find it easy in a Yorkshire derby match against a side bidding for their fifth successive victory and a sixth win in seven matches.

Sheffield Wednesday may sit inside the relegation zone at present, but have been a team transformed under Danny Rohl in recent weeks. Victory over Leeds would rocket them from 23rd to 16th in the standings, with the hosts confident of upsetting the title race with a win

Pointing to the Hillsborough pitch and the Owls’ physical approach, Farke knows his Leeds side face a tough test Friday night, but with the focus on his own team’s impressive unbeaten run, the Leeds boss is cautious but optimistic.

“We have two sides in really good form, obviously in different positions in the table. If you are capable of winning four games in a row or five in the last six games, then you are a good team,” explained Farke. “They are in really good form at the moment. Because of their slow start to the league they still have to fight and struggle against relegation, but if you judge them by form then they are one of the most in form teams and we are respectful.

“We know the pitch is not that great and this is an opponent who will play aggressive and physical. We also know we are in brilliant shape, so I don’t see one reason why we should travel in fear.”

Leeds are expected to line-up very similar if not identical to the team which started against Stoke City on Tuesday night, while their hosts have an injury concern around veteran midfielder Barry Bannan.