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Leeds look so to return to winning ways on Sunday as they welcome Burnley to Elland Road for the first time in the top flight since 1976, writes @ed_mcintyre98
The Whites suffered a heavy defeat to rivals Manchester United last Sunday, losing 6-2 to the Red Devils at Old Trafford.
Marcelo Bielsa received much criticism from the press following last week's result, with many pundits claiming that the 65-year-old Argentine's tactics are too naive, especially against the likes of Manchester United.
However, in response to the critics in this week's press conference, Bielsa said that he has no plans to alter his playing style. He said: "More than you guys (the media) suggesting the style should be abandoned, I don't feel weakened by what you are suggesting. It would be stupid on my part (my tactics) given the resources I have.
"Nobody can say I put style over results. It's another way to ridicule me", he added.
Bielsa also revealed in his press conference that Leeds will be without club captain Liam Cooper for Sunday's clash with Burnley. The Scotland international was forced off at Old Trafford, suffering an abdominal strain. It is unclear how long he will join fellow center-back Robin Koch on the sidelines.
Leeds, however, can welcome back defender Diego Llorente to the team. The 27-year-old Spain international is fit again after successive muscle injuries and is poised for his full Premier League debut, three months after his arrival from La Liga side Real Sociedad.
Burnley boss Sean Dyche declared this week that now Leeds are without Cooper, his side will target Leeds' vulnerability at set-pieces.
The Clarets go into the game following Monday night's impressive 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Turf Moor.
Burnley have picked up two victories and two draws from their last four games, and have only lost once in their last six.
Their recent good run of form has seen them climb away from the relegation zone as they now sit in 16th on 13 points. They are just two points above the bottom three following Saturday's results, however, they do have two games in hand on Fulham who occupy the final relegation spot.
A win for Burnley on Sunday would see them move to just one point behind Leeds, who are currently in 15th after 14 games.
Injury wise, Burnley midfielders Dwight McNeil and Robbie Brady will be monitored after suffering respective groin and hamstring problems against Wolves.
Jack Cork and Johann Berg Gudmundsson are not expected to be involved despite stepping up their training this week.
Previous meetings
The last time Leeds and Burnley met was in a League Cup tie at Turf Moor in September 2017. With the scoreline at 2-2 after normal time, United ended up winning 3-5 on penalties to secure a place in the fourth round.
August 2015 was the last time the two teams met at Elland Road, the opening day of the 2015/16 Championship season. Striker Mirco Antenucci scored a peach of a goal for Leeds with seven minutes of normal time left to play, however, his effort was ruled out by former Leeds striker Sam Vokes who netted just a few moments later. 1-1 was the final score in that game.
To find the last time the two clubs met in a top-flight fixture at Elland Road, you'll have to go all the way back to the 3rd of April 1976. Duncan McKenzie and Peter Hampton were on target as the Whites won 2-1 on that day, securing the double of the Clarets.
Match information
Leeds United vs. Burnley
English Premier League
12:00 Sunday 27th December 2020
Elland Road
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