Leeds United

Paul Birch
BBC Sport journalist

In-form Leeds United test their unbeaten record against a Crystal Palace side who have problems in defence. BBC Sport takes a look at the key themes going into Sunday's game at Elland Road.

Up to third in the league and boasting a record of just one defeat in 13 league matches – and just five in their past 29 - these are great times for Leeds fans.

Having already amassed eight points from four matches, a win over Palace would mean Daniel Farke's side equalling their best start to a Premier League season after five games - set under David O'Leary in 2001-02.

Central to the rip-roaring 4-1 victory over Newcastle - and their resurgence as a whole - has been in-form striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who notched two goals and an assist on Monday to continue his red-hot streak in home games.

It made him only the second player after Mark Viduka to score in five successive Premier League fixtures at Elland Road and he now has the chance to become the first Leeds player to score in six consecutive top-flight appearances at home since Arthur Hydes did so in 1932-33.

Since joining the Whites at the start of last season, only Manchester City's Erling Haaland (16) and Brentford's Igor Thiago (13) have scored more Premier League home goals than the 10 by the recalled England's striker.

He has been a key cog in Leeds turning Elland Road into a real fortress, with their last defeat in front of their own fans coming on 3 March.

Going into the weekend, only Arsenal (52), Manchester City (50), Manchester United (45) and Bournemouth (37) had claimed more top-flight points in 2026 than the 35 Farke's side have mustered.

The German boss has been helped by consistent team selections - naming an unchanged starting XI for 10 Premier League games since the start of 2025-26, the most by any side.

Eagles shipping goals

Crystal Palace's rocky start to life under new boss Pierre Sage continued last Saturday with a demoralising late defeat by Ipswich to make it three defeats from four league games.

Once again their suspect defence was exposed. Axel Disasi's 34th minute red card certainly didn't help matters, but shipping multiple goals merely continued an unwanted trend that begun under Oliver Glasner.

The Eagles have now conceded two or more times in 10 consecutive top-flight matches – second only to Fulham's Premier League record of 13 straight games set in January to April 2019.

Defensively they have been all over the place and have shipped the most goals (11), faced the most xG (8.15) and joint most shots on target (26) and allowed their opponents the most touches in their own box (164).

Losing three totems of their defence across the January and summer transfer windows in Marc Guehi, Maxence Lacroix and Daniel Munoz is being keenly felt, while injuries have also not helped, with goalkeeper and skipper Dean Henderson again absent for this game.

Highly rated defender Jaydee Canvot was left out of the squad to face Ipswich with Sage saying: "I need more from him."

Last season's Conference League champions did at least enjoy a successful step up to the Europa League on Thursday with their debut in the competition ending in a morale boosting 4-0 win over Lech Poznan.

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"You've got to wait until at least 10 games into a season to talk about that stuff," said Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix when quizzed about Leeds United's chances of qualifying for European football this season.

Daniel Farke's side are yet to lose a Premier League game in 2026-27, picking up eight points from their opening four games of the season.

Defender James Justin has also highlighted "the aspiration is to get to 40 points first and foremost" in their second campaign since Championship promotion.

"Everyone is talking about Leeds United at the minute," Rix said on BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast. "Everyone is definitely talking about us in relation to European football and stuff, but it is still early days.

"You've got to wait until at least 10 games into a season to talk about that stuff. At that point, we can see where we are in the table.

"Given the way we have started this season, it would be ace if we could get ourselves 20 points adrift of the bottom three. At that point, we could say: 'Right, we haven't reached 40 points yet, but it is very unlikely we are going to get drawn into a relegation battle.' And then the players can relax.

"We know we play even better when we relax. When we had already been promoted from the Championship, both under Marcelo Bielsa and Daniel Farke, we just ran away with the title. When we knew we were safeish last season, the players started to express themselves a bit more."

On taking on Crystal Palace before the three-week international break, Rix said: "They have scored six goals but conceded 11 goals so far this season, which will actually be quite good for us.

"We can score when we are given chances and we can keep it pretty tight at the back. We have only conceded three goals in the Premier League so far this season as well, which is pretty good.

"Crystal Palace have already lost to Ipswich and Everton, and they have only beaten Fulham, which isn't particularly impressive."

Listen to the full episode of the podcast on BBC Sounds

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Leeds United defender James Justin, speaking to BBC Radio Leeds about the start of the Premier League season and Monday's thumping of Newcastle: "It was amazing - you know what Elland Road is like. That was the first time we've really locked in this season and we gave a performance to be proud of. Hopefully we can make our home a fortress.

"The aspiration is to get 40 points - that's the be all and end all. We've not managed to stay up after two seasons for a long time. Once we hit that, we can talk about next things. It's a good thing for the team.

"Whenever you are on the pitch with this group of boys, win, lose or draw, we're always fighting and that's the bare minimum you're going to get from us. And I enjoy doing that."

On Sunday's visit of Crystal Palace to Elland Road: "It will be massive for what we can do this season [if we win], but it's going to be a hard game.

"Everyone's at a good level in the Premier League and it's competitive. We'll go in with a gameplan and hopefully execute."

Hit play below to hear more or listen on BBC Sounds here

Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Crystal Palace at Elland Road (14:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Farke gave an update on Ilian Gruev, who has been sidelined since May with a knee injury: "After this long-term injury it was important to get his first minutes in the under-21 game. He played nearly 90 minutes and it was good for his confidence and his body. He is available for the weekend."

• However, he confirmed Harry Wilson has picked up a quad injury that is likely to mean he also misses Wales' games during the international break. Joe Rodon also remains out.

• Farke was asked if he could provide any update on a potential new contract after managing director Robbie Evans told BBC Sport last week that he and the club are "on the same page": "No news from my side. I spoke at the end of last season long, detailed, open and honest about the situation. I don't want to make a weekly soap opera of it. No-one wants a manager who is always talking about his future and his contract."

• On Dominic Calvert-Lewin's fine early-season form earning him a recall to the England squad: "Fully deserved. A perfect start to the new season. He's scored goals and has delivered performances. He's played with a good confidence and is in a good rhythm. He definitely deserves this call-up. He's definitely one of the best strikers in this league."

• Farke praised his side's fine form stretching back to last season: "It's not a coincidence any more. It's not just a good period, it's quality that we are delivering. Everyone can be proud of this and take lots of confidence." However, he added that the priority is still survival when asked about talk of a European push: "The first step is always to win 40 points and to make sure we do it as fast a possible. If we do it and there are still games left, we will definitely take it - but my only aim and only focus is to make sure we win the 40 points and play another Premier League season."

• On the challenge posed by the Eagles: "We face a really strong side. When I speak about Crystal Palace, I can't speak with more respect about them. They have done exceptionally well, especially in the last seasons winning titles. They have done good business in the summer and I think they are stronger this season than last season."

• On how he will spend the extended international break: "We allow ourselves a chance to recover a bit more than is possible in normal time. Then, the work continues. Just because we don't have a game for a while doesn't mean we don't train for a while. There are still players here who need my attention. Sometimes there is more time for the detail and for younger players."

Hear more from Farke by hitting play above or on BBC Sounds here

Listen to full live commentary of Leeds v Crystal Palace on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2 and BBC Sounds

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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

Another episode of BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast is now available.

Jonny Buchan and Simon Rix discuss the Whites having two players - James Trafford and Dominic Calvert-Lewin - in Thomas Tuchel's England squad and look ahead to Crystal Palace's visit to Elland Road on Sunday, which is a game you can listen to on BBC Radio Leeds and BBC Sounds in the UK.

Listen to the full episode of Don't Go To Bed Just Yet 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

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Thomas Tuchel has named his squad for England's upcoming Nations League fixtures.

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Jason Steele (Brighton), James Trafford (Leeds United)

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid), Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Trevoh Chalobah (Como), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Lewis Hall (Newcastle), Ezri Konsa (Arsenal), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen).

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Manchester City), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Alex Scott (Bournemouth).

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Anthony Gordon (Barcelona), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Morgan Rogers (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal).

Follow reaction and Tuchel's news conference here

Leeds United will not rush into turning Eintracht Frankfurt forward Jean-Matteo Bahoya's loan into a permanent deal. They have the option to buy the 21-year-old for £19.7m. (Football Insider, external)

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Chris Adams
BBC Sport journalist

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As the nascent Premier League table takes shape, the sight of Leeds United in third place feels like a throwback to the turn of the century, when they secured five top-five finishes on the bounce.

The 4-1 home win over Newcastle United means Daniel Farke's unbeaten side have made their best start to a top-flight season since 2001-02 under David O'Leary.

In truth, with eight points from four games, Leeds have been playing well for some time - and it can all be traced back to a bold change of formation by Farke almost nine months ago.

The German switched from a back four to a back three at half-time against Manchester City on 29 November, a game in which his team battled back from 2-0 down at the break to level things at 2-2 before conceding in stoppage time.

Starting with the subsequent home win over Chelsea on 3 December, Leeds have lost only five of their past 29 league games - results which would place them fifth in the hypothetical league table for that timeframe.

While the rejig clearly had its intended effect on Leeds' defence - among the ever-present clubs in the division, only champions Arsenal, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest have conceded fewer goals since the switch - it has also helped in other areas.

The most notable beneficiary has been Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Since last December, only Erling Haaland, Ollie Watkins and Joao Pedro have scored more than his 14 top-flight goals.

Having toiled as the lone centre-forward in a 4-3-3 formation, relying on infrequent support from out wide, Calvert-Lewin has thrived with a proper strike partner, often in the form of Lukas Nmecha or Noah Okafor.

Although Farke still finds himself alternating between 3-4-3 and 3-5-2, Calvert-Lewin has said: "I enjoy having bodies around me."

With Crystal Palace the visitors to Elland Road on Saturday, Calvert-Lewin is aiming to become the first Leeds player to score in six consecutive home league games since Arthur Hydes in 1932.

He missed out on a place in England's World Cup squad but, with three goals in all competitions this season, he is surely in with a chance of an international recall as Thomas Tuchel prepares for the Nations League quadruple-header.

Read the full article here

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BBC Radio Leeds' Johnny Buchan says Daniel Farke's "stock is getting higher and higher" as the Whites look to reward the German with a new deal.

Farke - who has recorded improved finishes year on year and achieved 14th-place last season on the club's Premier league return - is currently in the fourth and final year of his current Leeds contract.

"Farke's stock is getting higher and higher because of these performances and the way he's managing to orchestrate them," Buchan said after Mondays' 4-1 win over Newcastle sent the side third in the table.

"Leeds are unbeaten in the Premier League, are sat third in the league four games in, and have looked solid in every game aside from Chelsea in the cup.

"They look solid defensively in this set-up and then have gone and scored goals all from all over the place."

The Leeds hierarchy are reportedly working on a new deal for Farke, and Adam Pope explained the latest from his chat with the club's managing director Robbie Evans.

"In short, he said we want to continue in the long-term," said Pope.

"Just because it's not been done doesn't mean the talks haven't been productive. They just want to get it right basically.

"The example he used was Ethan Ampadu and how it's taken more than a year to get his contract sorted.

"So, that is ongoing. I think they are going to be okay and they will sort it."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds here

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Leeds United have submitted an appeal in relation to their second goal in Monday night's 4-1 victory over Newcastle.

In the 34th minute, Whites' striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought he had headed in from a James Justin cross to put Leeds 2-0 up, but Jayden Bogle was later awarded the goal having been adjudged to have had the final touch.

Calvert-Lewin, who went on to score the third goal in added time at the end of the first half, looked dumbfounded when he was later informed by the referee the goal had been awarded to his team-mate.

The Premier League match centre confirmed on X that the "goal accreditation panel adjudged Leeds' 34th minute goal as a Bogle goal".

A second panel will now be convened to determine the goalscorer as part of the appeal process.

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The Don't Go To Bed Just Yet team have been waxing lyrical about the performance of Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin in Monday's impressive 4-1 win over Newcastle.

The England striker dominated the Magpies defence, scoring once and playing a key role in another goal eventually awarded to Jayden Bogle.

"I thought his performance all-round was brilliant," said BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope. "He does love playing against Newcastle - he's scored loads against them.

"He won most headers and in open play he was magnificent. I'm so glad he got his goal and he should have had another one.

"He was superb and you just can't pick a fault in his performance.

"From half an hour in, Leeds just upped it and took hold of the game with the three goals before half-time - then at the beginning of the second half they were just unplayable. They were that good."

The Bogle goal, which put the Whites 2-0 up, was a result of Calvert-Lewin leaping superbly above two Newcastle defenders to win a header, which deflected in off his team-mate.

"I was so disappointed the first goal went down as a Bogle goal because for me that was such a good Dominic Calvert-Lewin goal," added BBC Radio Leeds sports editor Jonny Buchan.

"He was a monster. It was Haaland-esque how he had three people around him and beat them all to the ball. It was absolutely monstrous."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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We asked for your views on whether Leeds could secure European football this season.

Here are some of your comments:

Howard: An old cliche, but take it game by game. Let's see where we are at the end of November and then (maybe) we can start to get our passports ready. In the meantime, the ride is the best in years and all the fans and pundits who thought Daniel Farke wasn't up to the job need to eat humble pie.

Robin: Still need to finish chances but yes! We are looking good... solid even!

Julian: Whilst I am proud with the way we are playing and believe that we have a really strong squad, I think it will be too early to go into Europe next season. I would rather consolidate ourselves as a solid Premier League team before Europe comes along. Let's not rush into it and as a result jeopardise our place in the toughest league in the world. That said, I've got a bet on Leeds to win the league at 500/1.

John: All the talk about Europe is very premature. For now, I'm just happy to be picking up points. First target is to get the 40 or so points we need to survive (preferably as soon as possible to avoid stress) and then I'd be happy to finish 10th to 12th. Europe too soon with a small squad would only put us at risk next year, but progress is good at this stage.

Andrew: I'd be happy with a comfortable 10th. We are still in development and don't want to get ahead of ourselves. Been there before. That being said, it would be very nice to be caught up in a battle for a European place in the last four or five games instead of the other end of the table. If we do get into Europe, we could field our bench and U21's. Treat it like the Carabao Cup until we make the latter rounds. Stay focused on squad and ground development.

On the latest episode of BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given was in full praise of Leeds United summer signing James Trafford.

He says that the 23-year-old would still be good enough to be Manchester City's first-choice goalkeeper if Gianluigi Donnarumma wasn't around, adding: "I know it was a big fee for a goalkeeper, but it is money well spent.

"He definitely makes them stronger at the back. He is calm, good with the ball at his feet and, at 23, it is all ahead of him.

"It shows his character when he moved away from City. He didn't accept being on the bench. He wants to challenge Jordan Pickford for England's number one jersey and play regular football.

"He has proved already to Leeds fans that they have got a top goalkeeper on their hands."

Listen to the full episode of Monday Night Club on BBC Sounds

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Leeds fan Lewis Deighton believed his club were strong outsiders for Europe weeks ago - and Monday night's comprehensive win over Newcastle has only solidified his thinking.

"Elland Road under the lights! What a night," said Deighton, who provides videos as part of BBC Sport's Fan Collective.

"The record at Elland Road under the lights from 19:45 under Daniel Farke is played 24, won 20, drawn four, and lost none.

"Not only did Newcastle get battered, it was embarrassing for them. Ultimately, Daniel Farke once again defies the odds.

"Is he even defying the odds at this point? Were we just wrong about him all along?

"I doubted him last November/December time but then we turned it around in back-to-back games against Man City and Chelsea. It suddenly started convincing people that maybe something is going on here, maybe Farke shouldn't be sacked, maybe he's the man.

"Now people are chanting, 'get your passports out for Daniel Farke', because people believe we are strong outsiders for Europe. We mean business. We are not going anywhere."

Leeds fans, could this season end with a European tour on the horizon?

Get in touch with your views here

We asked for your views after Monday's Premier League game between Leeds United and Newcastle United.

Here are some of your comments:

Leeds fans

Ben: This is the importance of sticking with your manager. The job Daniel Farke is doing is incredible. He's building a team that other teams look scared to play against. This was a statement win and, despite being early days, Leeds have a genuine solidarity about them which could get them European football this season.

Radley: Leeds are finding their rhythm and showing a confidence that they gained towards the end of last season. With progress like this and the belief that they could enjoy a couple more results of this stature, it wouldn't be surprising to see Leeds sneak into a European spot.

Mark: Wow, what a result and what a brilliant performance. Whole team playing together and with even more room for improvement. Happy days and congratulations to Farke and his team getting us to this place.

Carl: It was an impressive and deserved winning performance, albeit against a below strength Newcastle.

Newcastle fans

David: Inept. Looked all out of balance in midfield. Leeds played 3-5-2 and nobody picked up Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who must have thought it was his birthday. The sooner Dan Burn and Joelinton get back the better. This line-up has no bite.

Alvin: Honeymoon for Matthias Jaissle well and truly over. Past few results papered over cracks that Leeds ruthlessly exploited. Sven Botman looks lost and Malick Thiaw is too quiet as captain. Amar Dedic is great going forward but Leeds have shown the rest of the league how to attack the space he leaves behind. Jaissle has his work cut out.

Shaun: Newcastle bullied and beaten to second and third balls. Struggled against a better organised, confident team. Botman still not at his best and we're missing experience in midfield. We also lacked any penetration in attack. I fear for what is going to be a long season. Leeds taught us and the manager a lesson.

Steve: It was like boys versus men. I fear for Newcastle this season as they look very weak and disjointed.

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Leeds forward Noah Okafor says there is "no better feeling" than winning under the lights at Elland Road.

Daniel Farke's side blew Newcastle away 4-1 on Monday to move third in the Premier League after four games.

Okafor - who stepped back from international duty with Switzerland last week, citing a breakdown in trust with head coach Murat Yakin - scored the Whites' fourth goal just before the hour mark with a fine strike as the ball dropped to him from a cleared corner.

"I am always happy to score. It is an amazing feeling in front of our home fans. But, I'm more happy with the three points and a great team performance," he told BBC Radio Leeds.

"The ball came, I trained this one-touch finish with the left. The ball went in the net and I'm so happy.

"The night games at Elland Road, with the floodlights on and the fans behind your back, there is no better feeling than winning these games.

"It was one of the best team performances since I arrived here. We knew it would be a tough game but from the first minute we were on it.

"Now we have to keep grounded, work hard, take it game by game and look forward to Sunday [against Crystal Palace].

The 26-year-old scored four goals in his last five league games of last season after an injury-hit first campaign and has started his second year at Leeds in purposeful style.

Asked if he has gone up a level since first arriving, Okafor added: "Of course. Each training I use to get better and better and now I'm close to being back on my level.

"When I am back at my top level I can help the team a lot."

Listen to the full chat below or on BBC Sounds

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

Leeds United are third in the Premier League after a thumping 4-1 win over Newcastle at Elland Road on Monday.

Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Simon Rix discuss it all straight after the game in the West Stand.

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

Ciaran Kelly
Football reporter

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Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been in England head coach Thomas Tuchel's thoughts in recent months.

The striker was previously called up by his country back in March after catching the eye in his debut season at Leeds United.

However, after featuring for England against Uruguay during that particular international window, the striker ultimately missed out on the World Cup in the summer.

Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins instead travelled as captain Harry Kane's deputies.

At a time when the marginally older pair are both playing in Saudi Arabia, Calvert-Lewin is staking his claim with his performances closer to home in this country.

He has scored three goals in his past four games as the Premier League's leading English striker - just as Tuchel prepares to name his squad on Friday for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Spain and the Czech Republic.

He is also just the second Leeds player to score in five consecutive Premier League appearances at Elland Road, after Mark Viduka between March and August 2003.

Such was Calvert-Lewin's hunger, he looked dumbfounded after learning his header for Leeds' second against Newcastle on Monday had been awarded to team-mate Jayden Bogle after it took a final touch off his team-mate.

Former England defender Jamie Carragher was among those watching on impressed following the 29-year-old's "almost perfect" display.

"Maybe sometimes composure has let him down in his career, but not here," he told Sky Sports about the former Everton striker. "He was unplayable.

"It was right for him and Everton to make a fresh start. As an Evertonian, you are probably thinking why didn't we keep him.

"Sometimes a move rejuvenates a player. He is the type of player you think as an ex-centre-back, I am glad I am not playing now."