Leeds United can strengthen their hold of third position in the Championship standings if they can overcome Plymouth Argyle on Saturday afternoon.

Meanwhile, last season's League One champions make the trip to Elland Road sitting in 19th place, five points clear of the relegation zone.

Match preview

Although Daniel Farke cannot claim to have made the perfect start to life at Leeds, it is becoming evident that everything appears to be in place to chase down second-placed Ipswich Town.

Last time out, the Yorkshire giants became just the second Championship side this season to defeat runaway leaders Leicester City as they prevailed by a 1-0 scoreline at the King Power Stadium.

Georginio Rutter's second-half goal proved to be the different in the East Midlands and it ensured that Leeds capitalised on two successive draws for Ipswich.

While the gap remains at eight points, Leeds are growing in confidence, particularly at Elland Road where they remain as the only team to possess an unbeaten home record in the Championship.

Leeds have also conceded just twice in their last five outings at their home ground, something that will not have gone unnoticed by their next opponents.

For Plymouth this season, everything is centred around getting points on the board and surviving in the second tier, and securing results will need to come in various ways.

Last time out, Steven Schumacher's side twice found themselves trailing at home to Middlesbrough before they scored a 77th-minute leveller to earn a 3-3 draw at Home Park.

Preceding that, Plymouth had given Ipswich a scare at Portman Road and comfortably defeated Sheffield Wednesday - a relegation rival - to show that they are capable of competing with the majority of teams in this division.

Collecting 16 points from 15 games will be regarded as a solid return by Schumacher and his squad, yet they cannot afford to drop their standards with the bottom three all showing signs of life in recent outings.

Team News

Barring any injury issues, Farke is likely to select the same Leeds XI that defeated Leicester.

That would see Archie Gray keep his spot at right-back ahead of Luke Ayling, with Wilfried Gnonto and Jaidon Anthony also having to be content with places on the substitutes' bench.

Although Junior Firpo is available again, Sam Byram is in line to stay in the team at left-back.

Joe Edwards is expected to return to the Plymouth starting lineup with Mikael Miller serving a one-game suspension.

With Ryan Hardie and Mustapha Bundu still recovering from hamstring injuries, Ben Waine should lead the line.

Leeds United possible starting lineup:
Meslier; Gray, Rodon, Struijk, Byram; Kamara, Ampadu; James, Piroe, Summerville; Rutter

Plymouth Argyle possible starting lineup:
Cooper; Kesler-Hayden, Scarr, Gibson, Edwards; Cundle, Houghton, Azaz; Whittaker, Waine, Mumba

We say: Leeds United 3-0 Plymouth Argyle

Although Plymouth have generally impressed on their return to the second tier, they are probably playing Leeds at the wrong time. We expect the home side to dominate this fixture and prevail with a win and clean sheet, keeping the pressure on Ipswich above them.


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