📰 Centurions Reunited: Burnley and Leeds Face Off Once More

Oct 18

Written By Lucy

Leeds United make the short trip across the Pennines this weekend to face Burnley at Turf Moor in what promises to be a tense and hard-fought Premier League encounter. It’s a fixture steeped in history — the two sides have met at Turf Moor 33 times since 1924, with Leeds narrowly holding the edge: 14 wins, 7 draws and 12 defeats, including the 2017 League Cup tie.

Scott Parker’s Burnley have struggled to find rhythm early in the campaign. The Clarets sit 18th in the table with 4 points from 7 games, having scored 7 goals but conceded 15. Leeds, in comparison, are 15th on 8 points, with the same number of goals scored but just 11 conceded — a reflection of Daniel Farke’s greater defensive organisation and balance.

Team News

Daniel Farke provided a mixed update ahead of the trip to Turf Moor:

Noah Okafor – Doubtful with abductor issues.
Lucas Perri – Expected to return to the bench.
Dan James – Ahead of schedule in his recovery and could feature, adding much-needed pace on the flanks.
Willy Gnonto – Unavailable after a hernia operation, ruling him out for the weekend.

The possible absence of Noah Okafor is a major blow. The Swiss has been Leeds’ most dangerous and creative spark so far this season, capable of unlocking defences with his movement and flair. Without him — and with Gnonto sidelined — Leeds may lose some of their attacking unpredictability, putting extra emphasis on other wide options to provide penetration and quality in the final third.

There’s also been discussion around a potential tactical tweak, with Jayden Bogle being considered for a more advanced role on the right wing, while James Justin could fill in behind him at right-back. The logic makes sense — Bogle’s pace, direct running, and attacking instincts could help stretch Burnley’s defence, while Justin’s defensive reliability would add balance.

However, there’s a potential drawback to that idea. While Bogle has been outstanding as an attack-minded right-back, that doesn’t automatically translate to success higher up the pitch. Playing as a winger demands different instincts and positioning — he’d be receiving the ball higher up, often with less space to run into and less time to make decisions. Bogle’s best work usually comes when he bursts forward from deeper areas, using momentum to overlap and create overloads. Still, with Burnley struggling for form and confidence, this could be the ideal fixture to experiment with the switch in a competitive setting and see whether it adds a new dimension to Leeds’ attacking play.

Familiar Faces at Turf Moor

Leeds will also come up against a familiar face in Jaidon Anthony, who made 31 appearances for the Whites during his loan spell from Bournemouth in the 2023/24 season. A popular figure for his professionalism and attitude, Anthony has hit the ground running at Turf Moor — currently Burnley’s top scorer with 4 goals in their opening 7 Premier League fixtures.

Daniel Farke spoke warmly about Anthony in his press conference, saying:

“Jaidon has a place in mine and our hearts. Fantastic team-mate. Joy to work with him. Potential never in doubt. Unlucky with minor injuries and we had outstanding form in his position. My fingers always crossed for him. No surprise he has started well.”

Anthony’s form, combined with Burnley’s preference for attacking down the left, makes him the obvious danger man Leeds must contain.

Could Jack Harrison Start on the Right?

With Gnonto out and Okafor doubtful, there’s a growing argument for Jack Harrison to return to the starting lineup — possibly on the right-hand side in place of Brenden Aaronson.
Delivery from wide areas could be crucial against Burnley, who tend to sit compact and allow crosses rather than space through the middle. Harrison’s ability to deliver quality balls into the box might offer Leeds something different — particularly if the game requires a more traditional route to goal.

His natural left foot on the right also gives Leeds a more direct supply line into the penalty area, offering consistent service for central runners. Given Burnley’s ongoing issues with defending aerial deliveries and second balls, Harrison’s crossing could be a real weapon. In a game that may come down to moments of precision in the final third, his delivery might be exactly what’s needed to break them down.

And that’s without the lingering question of whether Tanaka replaces Stach in midfield. Both have shown flashes of quality, but the balance between control and energy in that area will be vital against Burnley’s physical press. It’s a tough call either way — and one that could define Leeds’ rhythm in the centre of the park. One thing’s for sure: I wouldn’t like to be in Mr Farke’s shoes right now.

Tactical Overview

Burnley’s home statistics highlight a clear pattern. They attack primarily down the left flank (46%), with just 21% of their play coming through the middle. Their Action Zones show 35% of touches in their own third, 43% in midfield, and only 22% in the opposition third — evidence of a side that keeps the ball but struggles to progress it consistently into dangerous areas.

Leeds’ away numbers show greater balance — 41% of attacks down the left, 34% down the right, and 25% through the middle — and slightly more control in the middle third (45%, compared to Burnley’s 43%). Farke’s men have shown more composure in possession and more control in transitions, which could be vital at Turf Moor.

Parker vs Farke – Shared Philosophy, Different Execution

Both managers value structured, possession-oriented football, but their methods differ. Scott Parker prefers a patient, methodical buildup — seeking to control tempo and territory — though this often makes his teams predictable and slow to transition.

Daniel Farke, meanwhile, plays with more intent. His Leeds side combine structure with aggression, pressing high, moving the ball vertically, and attacking space quickly. Where Parker aims to contain and circulate, Farke’s approach is to disrupt and exploit — seeking to turn control into cutting edge.

Why Leeds Could Edge It

Despite the injury setbacks, this is a game Leeds can approach with optimism. Burnley’s vulnerability when pressed could suit Farke’s high-energy approach, and with players like Dan James, Jack Harrison, and possibly Jayden Bogle offering different attacking options, Leeds have the pace and versatility to cause real problems.

Even without Okafor’s creativity, Leeds’ organisation, pressing discipline, and tactical adaptability could give them the edge. The Bogle–Justin combination provides defensive cover and attacking width, while Harrison’s inclusion could offer a more traditional crossing outlet.

If Leeds can manage Burnley’s left-sided threat and capitalise on turnovers, they have every chance to return from Lancashire with all three points — and another confidence-boosting away performance under Farke.

Prediction:

Burnley 1–2 Leeds United
Leeds’ pressing game, discipline, and sharper final ball could prove decisive — edging out a struggling Burnley side and lifting the Whites further away from the lower end of the table.

Written by Lucy