Leeds United return to the hallowed turf of Elland Road on Friday night with one mission: securing Premier League survival against an already-relegated Burnley side. For Daniel Farke's men, this is more than just a fixture—it's a chance to cap off a resilient season with a statement victory.
After a heartbreaking FA Cup semi-final loss at Wembley, Leeds have bounced back admirably. A gritty point against Bournemouth, courtesy of Sean Longstaff's late volley, extended their unbeaten run to five Premier League matches. Even more telling: they've won each of their last five games against already-relegated opponents. The momentum is building, and the fans at Elland Road will be the 12th man.
Burnley arrive in turmoil. Scott Parker's departure on Thursday leaves Mike Jackson in interim charge, tasked with rallying a squad that's won just one of their last 25 Premier League outings. The Clarets' relegation was sealed last week after a narrow 1-0 defeat to title-chasing Manchester City. However, there's a glimmer of hope for the visitors: nine of their last 13 points have come on the road. They'll be desperate to spoil the party in West Yorkshire.
Last Meeting: Burnley 2-0 Leeds United (18 October 2025, Premier League)
Team news is a mixed bag for the hosts. Daniel Farke confirmed that left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson faces a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury—a significant blow to Leeds' defensive solidity. Jaka Bijol and Noah Okafor both picked up knocks during the cup clash on Sunday, though the boss remains hopeful they'll be available. Joe Rodon and Anton Stach provide crucial depth, ready to step up if needed.
For Burnley, interim boss Jackson faces a defensive headache. Hannibal Mejbri, Axel Tuanzebe, and Zeki Amdouni are all late fitness doubts with various thigh, calf, and knee issues. Meanwhile, Josh Cullen, Connor Roberts, and Jordan Beyer remain unavailable for the trip to Yorkshire. Jackson will need to reshuffle his backline for his first game in charge—a daunting task against a Leeds side finding their rhythm.
Leeds have reached the 40-point mark but know one more win guarantees their top-flight safety. Their recent form is electric: seven points and seven goals in their last three league matches, matching the point total from their previous eight combined. The Clarets, meanwhile, are winless in nine across all competitions. The contrast in momentum couldn't be starker.
Friday night under the lights at Elland Road. Survival on the line. A wounded Burnley in transition. For Leeds, this is the perfect moment to finish the job and send their fans home celebrating. Get your whites ready—this one's going to be special.