Leeds United will test curse theory as Connor Roberts penny drops vs Rotherham

Leeds United host Leam Richardson’s Rotherham United at Elland Road in the Championship on Saturday afternoon and here are five things to look out for around the match

If Leeds United can avoid defeat today against Rotherham United it will extend their unbeaten run, which began on New Year’s Day, to nine matches in all competitions. The last time the Whites managed to go that long without defeat was December 2019, when Marcelo Bielsa oversaw an 11-game stretch without defeat en route to the Championship title.

Gnonto to go three on the bounce for the first time?

Wilfried Gnonto has scored in his last two consecutive appearances for the Whites, breaking the deadlock at both Ashton Gate and Home Park. The Italy international has never scored in three straight outings before at senior level, but all eyes will be on whether he can make this the hottest streak of his career.

Does Connor Roberts get a go?

The Burnley loanee has had to wait over a week to even be eligible for selection, but Daniel Farke may not even give Roberts a full debut at the first time of asking. Archie Gray has looked imperious at right-back, while Ilia Gruev and Glen Kamara are giving the manager no reason to shuffle the teenager into the engine room.

Roberts, who was seen being put through his paces at Home Park on Tuesday, could well have to make do with a spot on the bench and bide his time for the short turnaround to Swansea City on Tuesday. Getting a game at Liberty Stadium with his new club would be quite special for the Wales international.

Byram or Firpo?

Junior Firpo has generally been Farke’s preference at left-back in recent weeks, while Sam Byram’s hamstring strains have been given time to calm down. Well, they both started on Tuesday in Devon, with Byram coming off towards the end of normal time and Firpo getting the full two hours in horrid conditions.