As Leeds United continue their quest for a first victory under manager Daniel Farke, the anticipation mounts ahead of tonight’s showdown in the Yorkshire derby against Sheffield Wednesday. Within the fan community, opinions are divided on the team’s prospects.

Here is the verdict from our panel of experts on what to expect in the upcoming Championship clash, assessing Leeds United’s season so far and suggesting a crucial change in the lineup:

DAVID WATKINS

Leeds approaches the Hillsborough fixture tonight in a state of uncertainty. The recent departure of Georginio Rutter leaves a void in midfield creativity, a missing ingredient that can unlock stubborn Championship defenses. Fans await incoming transfers to bolster a squad that currently ranks among the smallest in the league. Until reinforcements arrive, Leeds must grind out results like the stalemate at the Hawthorns last weekend.

Sheffield Wednesday presents an enigma. They opened their campaign with a resounding 4-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle, only to suffer a similar defeat against Sunderland. Despite rotating their lineup significantly, they still managed to overcome Hull City in the Carabao Cup. Their determination to outshine their Yorkshire rivals is undeniable. I predict a tight contest with limited scoring opportunities for Leeds, relying on defensive resolve seen against West Brom to contain the Owls.

Prediction: Sheffield Wednesday 0, Leeds United 0.

NEIL GREWER

After a disciplined display at West Brom, Leeds faces another challenging test against Sheffield Wednesday. A repeat performance with added attacking flair could yield a positive outcome. Wednesday’s recent defeat will likely spur them to tighten their defense, aiming to stifle Leeds’ front line. A draw might be seen as a satisfactory outcome for them, akin to their approach against West Brom.

Apart from a potential change in the No. 10 position, the starting lineup appears settled for Leeds. The likes of Brenden Aaronson or Joe Rothwell could inject fresh energy into the team. While new signings are imminent, their immediate impact in the starting XI may be limited due to the current squad size. Nonetheless, they could offer valuable options from the bench in the near future.

Leeds United are poised for a commanding performance at Hillsborough, securing a hard-fought victory against Sheffield Wednesday. Despite the uncertainty surrounding new signings, Leeds’ disciplined play is set to thwart any challenges as they aim for a confident win. In a clash marked by both quality and vulnerability, Leeds must maintain peak performance levels in the face of an unpredictable opponent. The impending showdown promises to be a test of resilience and strategic prowess in a bid for crucial points. Prediction: Sheffield Wednesday 0 Leeds United 2.