Leeds United

Keifer MacDonald
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

If Leeds are able to retain their top-flight status, the majority of supporters are likely to point to wins against relegation rivals Wolves, Burnley and West Ham as the defining moments of the season.

But Daniel Farke is almost certain to share a different view.

The 49-year-old is more likely to point to a 3-2 defeat by Manchester City in late November as the moment his side's fortunes changed - and the numbers back it up.

After goals from Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol put City 2-0 up inside 25 minutes, Leeds were left fearing the worst.

That was until Farke made an almighty roll of the dice, summoning Dominic Calvert-Lewin and defender Jaka Bijol from the bench to switch from a 4-3-3 to a 3-5-2.

It was a tactical switch that allowed Leeds an extra man in midfield and, crucially, offered extra support to summer signing Calvert-Lewin in attack.

Although Leeds saw a point snatched from their grasp when Foden scored a stoppage‑time winner, the performance - and a new tactical blueprint - offered both the club and Farke a road to redemption.

Leeds bounced back from the defeat against Pep Guardiola's side by taking four points from a possible six against Chelsea and reigning champions Liverpool in the next two games.

"He was under real pressure, there was a lot of talk about his job - other managers were getting touted - and you felt if he lost against Manchester City he would lose his job," said ex-Liverpool and Spurs midfielder Jamie Redknapp on Sky Sports.

"He didn't win that game but they changed the system that day, played with a lot of promise and since then they've gone on a great run and gone from strength to strength.

"The points they've produced since the start of December has been fantastic."

Since then, Leeds have lost only four out of a possible 19 league games - the ninth-best record in the division.

Consequently, Farke is on course to lead a team to Premier League survival for the first team in his career after failing to do so during his time in charge of Norwich.

We asked for your thoughts after Friday's Premier League fixture between Leeds United and Burnley at Elland Road.

Here are some of your comments:

Leeds fans

Robert: Fully deserved three points. Our players once again stood up to be counted when it really mattered. Nearly safe now!

Christopher: Delighted with the win but we seemed a bit nervy seeing the game out. We're so much better yet seemed to make it tough for ourselves unnecessarily.

Eric: The major thing here is the three points - priceless. However, once again Leeds made it hard for themselves in a game they should have killed off by half-time. But they came out second half and did the business - and a good job too because we started to let Burnley get back into it in the final 20 minutes.

Hanif: Fantastic. Been a tough season, with highs and lows, but determination and true grit has seen us get to this point where our Premier League status is all but secured. Well done, Leeds.

Burnley fans

Peter: A shocking defensive display. No shape, ball watching and thanks but goodbye to our goalkeeper, who was responsible for two of the goals. There is a nucleus of players who are good enough for the challenge next season, so we need a couple of decent additions and, most importantly, a manager who is not only a good friend to the players but a good coach and inspiration as well. Come back, Craig Bellamy.

Steve: The players have no team spirit - there's no fight there. We seem to constantly want to play out from the back and invariably lose the ball. When we get into the opponent’s half the team is lost - there's no attacking mentality.

Jack: What do you expect when you have five at the back and still room given for the first goal? Diabolical. I just don't get it. Not one of this team should be wearing the Burnley shirt. For once, I believe we need a completely new team next season.

Peter: Again and again we showed that Premier League football was a step too far for this collection of players. We can only hope that next season’s squad is better. It would be nice to have something to cheer.

Keifer MacDonald
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Officially, there is still work for Leeds to do to seal their Premier League status for another season.

After dispatching Burnley with ease on Friday, the Whites are nine points and four places above 18th-placed Tottenham, who occupy the third and final relegation spot.

It is worth pointing out that four of the teams directly below Leeds - Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Spurs - all have a game in hand on Daniel Farke's side.

But Spurs, who travel to Aston Villa on Sunday, can only achieve a maximum tally of 46 points.

Leeds could mathematically secure their place in the top flight next term with a victory at Tottenham - last season's Europa League winners - on 11 May.

The even better news for Leeds is no team has ever been relegated from a 38-game Premier League season with 43 points or more.

Their supporters can also take confidence from the fact the average points tally for the team finishing in 18th place is 34.5, which means 35 points is usually enough to finish outside the drop zone.

In the past five years, however, that number has dropped to 29.6 points.

"This is massive for Leeds," said former Whites midfielder Stuart Dallas on Sky Sports."When the goals were going in I was watching [Farke's] reaction on the touchline and you could see how much it means to him and the team.

"You look at it now and think there was never any doubt - but there is always that anxiety."

Leeds boss Daniel Farke, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "It's a massive step forward for us. I am proud of the boys because to deliver at the crunch point of the season with the additional load of cup games, to hold the nerves and to take points from the last four Premier League games. This is the crunch period where everybody is normally nervous so to already be on 43 points at this stage feels amazing.

"Many, many compliments to the players for the work ethic, work load, unity and quality for the last weeks but also for showing through the season. We are definitely on a good path."

On the early goal: "It is always important that you don't over motivate and then run into counter attacks, you need to find a good balance and that is what we did. I like our game management when we scored the second goal. Yes in the last 15-20 minutes you could feel it was a bit party atmosphere in the stadium.

There were lots of players we had to substitute because of load and minor injury problems in the last weeks, but this period is about bringing it over the line and that is what we have done in the last 20 minutes. We will celebrate once it is mathematically done of course, but we will stay greedy for these types of performances."

On the goalscorers: Anton [Stach] has this quality, also from the set pieces. He is a key player for us and we missed him a lot in the last weeks and it is a sign of the quality in the group that we have delivered without him.

"[Okafor] his fitness level and work load has improved immensely, his work against the ball. He is a player with big potential and talent, which was always obvious to see throughout his career.

"Even in the last weeks sometimes his [Calvert-Lewin] goals from open play were not that impressive, I always liked his work load against the ball. His pressing ability to win headers, be physical and hold up the ball. Fantastic. The inspiration of the second goal with the backheel kick, he also deserves the goal, sometimes you have to fight for it. It's like a bottle of ketchup, all comes out at the same time, I hope it does for the upcoming games."

Did you know?

• Since the start of February, Leeds United's Noah Okafor has six goals in seven Premier League appearances, with only Morgan Gibbs-White (8 in 11 apps) scoring more in the division in this period.

• Leeds United have scored 3+ goals in eight different Premier League matches this season, with only Manchester City (12) and Brentford (9) doing so in more different games in the division this term.

Keifer MacDonald
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

By the full-time whistle, the relief inside Elland Road was palpable.

Goalscorers Calvert-Lewin and Okafor shared an embrace, while manager Farke unleashed a series of first pumps towards the supporters basking in the moment in West Yorkshire.

Leeds have claimed bigger scalps in the league this season - notably against Chelsea and Manchester United - but this win was perhaps their most important of the campaign.

The three points all but secures the club's top-flight status for another season. It is a feat that felt like a distant dream a few months ago when they were slumping in the autumn.

While the champagne will remain on ice for a few more days until survival is mathematically confirmed, Leeds can finally begin to turn their attention to next year and plan for another season in the Premier League.

It has been a challenging campaign, but after this 3-1 win Leeds can breathe a huge sigh of relief.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Leeds' performance

What did you make of Burnley's display?

Come back on Saturday for a selection of your replies

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has made three changes to the side that lost against Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday.

Goalkeeper Lucas Perri, defender Gabriel Gudmundsson and midfielder Brenden Aaronson are replaced by Karl Darlow, James Justin and Anton Stach, who returns from a spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

Leeds XI: Darlow, Bogle, Struijk, Bijol, Rodon, Justin; Tanaka, Ampadu, Stach; Okafor, Calvert-Lewin

Subs: Perri, Byram, Bornauw, Longstaff, Aaronson, James, Gnonto, Piroe, Nmecha

In the opposite dugout, interim Burnley manager Michael Jackson has named the same XI that lost to Manchester City in the Premier League nine days ago.

Burnley XI: Dubravka, Walker, Humphreys, Ekdal, Esteve, Hartman; Laurent, Ward-Prowse; Anthony, Flemming, Tchaouna

Subs: Weiss, Worrall, Ugochukwu, Edwards, Florentino, Pires, Amdouni, Broja, Hannibal

Prudent Nsengiyumva
BBC Sport journalist

Leeds United host Burnley on Friday (20:00 BST) needing the points to virtually end any relegation concerns. Burnley, already relegated and now managerless after Scott Parker left the club on Thursday, have little but pride at stake.

Can Leeds pull clear of danger?

Leeds know a win would increase pressure on the other relegation candidates ahead of the weekend. The Whites have often been competitive this season, rarely dominating possession but creating enough chances to stay in games. The issue has been turning those moments into comfortable wins, particularly at home.

Nowhere is that clearer than after the half-time interval. Leeds have conceded 15 second half league goals at Elland Road and when matches are level or Leeds hold a narrow lead, Farke's side tend to slow the tempo and protect central areas rather than push for a decisive second goal. Control becomes caution – and pressure follows.

Greater calm in front of goal could make the difference. Forward Noah Okafor has emerged as Leeds' most reliable finisher since early February, scoring five Premier League goals in that period. Only Morgan Gibbs-White and Viktor Gyokeres have scored more in the same spell. If Friday's game remains tight into the latter stages, Leeds will need that efficiency.

Will pride drive managerless Burnley at Elland Road?

Burnley's return to the Premier League has again proved short-lived, with relegation confirmed by last week's defeat by Manchester City. With the club now managerless, there is a possibility they play with a degree of freedom – but their away form offers little reassurance.

The pattern has been familiar. Burnley often start competitively, pressing with energy and keeping their shape. However, as intensity drops, gaps appear and opponents take advantage.

They have conceded 25 first half away goals and remain the league's most porous defence, with 68 goals conceded overall.

If Leeds are looking for encouragement, it may come from that contrast in resilience. This fixture has the feel of a match shaped by patience and timing: one side trying to avoid the late game issues that have haunted their season, the other vulnerable once momentum turns against them. How Leeds manage that balance after the break could decide the outcome.

Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu has sat down with BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope.

Wales international Amapadu admits the pain of a defeat such as the one suffered at Wembley on Sunday "can linger".

But Ampadu believes manager Daniel Farke is good at letting players feel "hurt and disappointment" before moving on constructively.

"I know there's disappointment in the fans," Ampadu says. "We feel that emotion the exact same. We didn't get it done. Now we know what the sole focus is."

The sole focus is Premier League survival. Leeds go to Burnley on Friday night knowing a win could move them nine points above the relegation zone.

"Every game when it comes to this sort of crunch time is massive," he adds.

Press play above or listen on BBC Sounds here

The Burnley fans never really seemed to take to Scott Parker but his biggest problem was Sunderland and Leeds being more competitive than the Clarets as promoted clubs this season.

Burnley are down and searching for a new manager, but Leeds go marching on together - they have had an outstanding campaign under Daniel Farke even if their performance against Chelsea in last weekend's FA Cup semi-final was disappointing compared to their recent form.

If Leeds lose this, then it is squeaky bum time for them with games to come against Tottenham and West Ham, but they won't mess up.

For me, this is the result that will secure their safety. Yes, there would still be work to do, but if there ever was a gimme this season then it is playing Burnley at home.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Ailsa Cowen
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix would "bet his house" on Leeds United confirming their Premier League safety on Friday night against Burnley.

The Yorkshire side lost to Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday, but now their focus turns to cementing their Premier League safety.

Speaking on the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, Rix said: "It'd be great to win against Burnley, season over sort of thing under the lights. But a point, like what we have been accumulating, we have just got to keep on doing that. I don't want to get drawn into it but I can just see everyone getting all the points."

Jonny Buchan said: "A win would take Leeds nine points clear of Tottenham. Spurs would have four games left to play, they're on the road this weekend at Aston Villa, all three sides below Leeds are away this weekend, which is beneficial I think."

Adam Pope echoed: "Just get it done Friday night, Leeds."

This prompted Rix to "bet his house" on Leeds confirming their safety on Friday with three points against Burnley, which would take them up to 13th on 43 points.

Listen to the full show here

Explore more Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

Leeds United have renewed their interest in signing Sporting defensive midfielder Hidemasa Morita, with the 30-year-old Japan international understood to be willing to commit to the move if they secure their Premier League status. (Mail), external.

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

A new episode of BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast is now available to listen to or download now on BBC Sounds.

Another trip to Wembley ends in defeat for Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-final, despite incredible support under the famous arch.

Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Kaiser Chiefs' bassist Simon Rix reflect on the loss to Chelsea and look ahead to Friday night's big Premier League game against Burnley.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

Ailsa Cowen
BBC Sport journalist

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Friday's Premier League game against Burnley at Elland Road (20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On losing the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea: "Since Monday it's not a topic any more. If you lose a game and you're out, you are disappointed. We lost a semi-final against a side in what was their best performance in a few months. It wasn't our best. It doesn't take anything away from making our fans proud of this run in the FA Cup. We're still on a good path in the Premier League, it wasn't meant to be. We've put it to bed now."

• Gabriel Gudmundsson has a "serious hamstring injury" and will miss the Burnley and Tottenham games, but could come back for the last two matches.

• Noah Okafor has got "a little hit in the calf" and Jaka Bijol has "problems with his hip flexor".

• On their opponents: "Burnley have played us out of the park before. I have respect for what Scott Parker is doing."

• He also highlighted his side's desire to get safety done and dusted. "We want to keep going. We have 12 more points to fight for. In this game, to win one or three points we know will ease the pressure."

• Although he did not want to "praise" his side too early as safety "hasn't been achieved just yet. We know how difficult it has been for promoted sides in recent years".

• On Anton Stach: "A good solid performance after an injury, the confidence for him, very beneficial for him, always a bit tricky after an injury, similar with Joe Rodon, it's not ideal to have them out. Rodon was excellent too."

• He was also asked about the players paying attention to other results around them in the table. Farke said they "don't hide it or else you would be scared. Players are allowed to look at other results. You have to deal with it very relaxed".

• Farke sent his well wishes to striker Mateo Joseph, currently on loan from Leeds to Mallorca, where he has suffered a serious knee injury during a match.

• On Dominic Calvert-Lewin not scoring from open play recently: "There was a few games that were difficult for him, against Crystal Palace he missed a few chances."

Listen to live commentary of Leeds v Burnley on BBC Radio Leeds and BBC Sounds from 19:00 BST on Friday

Got a question about Leeds? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda, 27, has been added to the shortlist of attacking players wanted by Everton this summer, with Leeds, Tottenham and Brighton also showing interest in the Japan international. (Teamtalk), external

Valencia are keen for Belgian winger Largie Ramazani to make a permanent move from Leeds after the 25-year-old impressed on his loan spell in La Liga. (ElDesmarque - in Spanish), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Molly Whitmore
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

It is genuinely difficult to put into words what this week has felt like as a Leeds fan, but I will try.

We started the week on such a high after impressive wins against Manchester United and Wolves, where the team played with confidence, energy and real attacking intent. In both matches, Leeds looked like a side full of belief, capable of taking control and dictating the game against strong opposition. That momentum carried into what was always going to be a tough away fixture at Bournemouth.

Credit has to go to Bournemouth, who played very well and made it a challenging contest throughout. Looking at the game honestly, it is hard to say Leeds fully deserved all three points, but coming away from home with a draw against a quality side is still a positive result. Moments like the scenes after Sean Longstaff's contribution gave fans something to celebrate and kept spirits high. At that point, all roads were leading to Wembley, and the excitement was building with every passing day.

The trip to London for the semi final was something special. I feel incredibly fortunate to have seen Leeds at Wembley a few times before, but experiencing a cup semi final there felt completely different. It carried more weight, more emotion, and meant so much more on a personal level. The anticipation, the atmosphere, and the belief among the fans made it feel like anything was possible.

That is what makes the result so hard to take. There is a real sense of disappointment and frustration.

It felt like Leeds allowed the opposition too much control and showed them a level of respect that ultimately worked against us. The team never quite imposed themselves on the game in the way we have seen recently. At times, it almost seemed too relaxed, as if the intensity that had driven previous performances was missing. Perhaps recent form played a role, with Leeds riding a wave of confidence while Chelsea had been less convincing in the weeks leading up to the match. It may have created a sense that the game would be more straightforward than it actually was.

To come away from such an occasion without the result we hoped for is devastating. Opportunities like that do not come around often, and it felt like a real chance to achieve something special. The disappointment will linger, but as always in football, there is no time to dwell for too long.

Attention now turns to Friday night, which feels like the biggest game of the season. Securing Premier League safety has to be the priority, and there is still plenty to play for. Climbing above Newcastle would be a huge step and a real statement after everything that has happened this week. The focus has to be on responding in the right way and showing the resilience that this team has demonstrated before.

It has been an emotional week, full of highs and lows, but the journey continues.

Molly Whitmore is a regular contributor on BBC Radio Leeds - find all their audio here

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds United fan Heidi Haigh has criticised the "play-acting and cheating from Chelsea" in their FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Sunday.

Daniel Farke's hopes of helping the club reach a first FA Cup final since they lost to Sunderland in 1973 were dashed as Brenden Aaronson and Dominic Calvert-Lewin both missed big chances.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live about the result, Haigh said: "I'm feeling frustrated really. We didn't set up right in the first half. Chelsea were running rings around us down the wings and we weren't set up well enough to stop them.

"We let them into the game too much in the first half. They were just bypassing our midfield and we just couldn't get a grip of the game. At the end of the day, they had a go and we didn't.

"They got their bounce-back from having a new [interim] manager, which was bad timing from our point of view but good timing from their point of view.

"I'm really sad for the fans who wanted to see us score at Wembley and still haven't seen us score there.

"The other thing that really frustrated me was all the play-acting and cheating from Chelsea, especially with their goalkeeper going down. It is deplorable that, with all their multi-million-pound players, they still had to resort to that to beat us.

"It is the fourth time this season that I've seen a goalkeeper go down with nobody near them. It is a tactic to stifle the game. It's the way modern football seems to be going, but it's something I hate."

We asked for your views after Leeds United lost Sunday's FA Cup semi-final to Chelsea.

Here are some of your comments:

Marc: Allowing Chelsea so much possession at the start of the first half was a tactical error from Leeds. Chelsea's passing was superior throughout, whereas Leeds' link-up play and end product was poor. Very disappointing performance for a semi-final.

Paul: More disappointed for our amazing supporters, many of whom have travelled afar to see Leeds lose. Not much between the teams apart from the expenditure on players. Tired of the gamesmanship displayed by Chelsea and many top-flight clubs. Impacts the flow of the game.

Mark: Dreadful gamesmanship was triumphant over a dismal lack of quality from us... NOT a cup classic. Get the three points against Burnley under the lights on Friday and we'll quickly move on.

Al: We didn't show up. Very disappointing. We couldn't have asked for a better time to play Chelsea but we blew it. They deserved the win. Just can't understand how the team that destroyed Manchester United at Old Trafford could play so poorly. We just kept giving the ball away.

Craig: We are Leeds United and we are used to losing games against big clubs like Chelsea, so there is nothing new to add to the list of negatives. However, we are not used to being in and staying in the Premier League, or being in the FA cup semi-finals, so plenty of new things going on for us in the list of positives. MARCHING ON TOGETHER!

Don: I was fortunate to watch Don Revie's Leeds as a kid when Chelsea (and Chopper Harris) were "more than fortunate". However, this time around, Chelsea deserved the win - which I thought should have been 2-0.

Roger: The quality gap was quite clear. Far too many unforced errors by Leeds players gave control of the game to a better passing team, who used the size of the pitch by keeping players wide, whereas Leeds were far too narrow, especially in the first half. Despite the defeat, an enjoyable day out in London with the massed ranks of Leeds fans.

John: Very poor from Leeds. We've had a great run but we had no real quality on Sunday. Aaronson & Calvert-Lewin both should have scored, so it could have been different but, overall, Chelsea deserved it. Wembley continues being a bad ground for Leeds.

Former England midfielder and BBC Sport pundit Danny Murphy believes Chelsea utilised "an obvious tactical stoppage" in their FA Cup semi-final win over Leeds United on Sunday, and proposes rule changes that can prevent it from happening.

Danny Murphy joins Jason Mohammad to bring you the action and talking points from the weekend's FA Cup semi-finals.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Man City 2-1 Southampton

• Chelsea 1-0 Leeds