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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
When Leeds take on Derby this afternoon the game will be filled with narrative.
Not only will the Whites be looking to ram home their advantage at the top of the table but they’ll also be hoping to get their own back.
Derby had the measure over Leeds in the playoffs last term whilst the infamous ‘Spygate’ incident will likely intensify things once more.
On Saturday a new rivalry could begin between two fellow countrymen. Krystian Bielik will likely hold the key for Derby in the middle of the park and if he’s on his game, Mateusz Klich might be made to look sheepish in what is a physical battle.
On the chalkboard
Klich has been a creative hub for Leeds over the past year and finished last season with 19 goal involvements in the Championship.
It was a fabulous campaign from the Poland international who will be facing off against his international teammate, Bielik, on Saturday.
The midfielder began to show what he was truly capable of for the first time this term at Oakwell as he put in a star performance, creating four chances and scoring a goal.
But his battle against the former Arsenal man in the middle of the park this time around could be far more taxing.
One of the main issues for Leeds this season is discovering freedom at home.
In their last outing at Elland Road, a 1-0 defeat to Swansea, Klich and Adam Forshaw effectively operated in the same space as inroads were few and far between.
Playing alongside Jamie Shackleton last weekend, that issue was overcome as they were spread out. That, however, was an away match where things were open.
Derby aren’t the free-flowing attacking side that we saw knock four past Leeds at this very ground in the playoffs and have only scored seven in as many games under Phillip Cocu.
A more defensive approach may be required and if Bielik starts in a holding role, Klich and his team could struggle to carve out openings once again.
The 21-year-old is a towering presence in a central area, winning 5.2 aerial duels per game as opposed to Klich’s 0.9 each outing. On that evidence, it could be a mismatch.
But it’s Bielik’s reading of the game which could have the biggest say on proceedings.
Klich makes a massive three key passes every match on average but his countryman has been on hand with 2.2 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game, according to WhoScored.
With that in mind, one of the lingering issues at Elland Road could be there to halt Marcelo Bielsa’s men in their tracks again.