Former Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford told LUTV how he believes Derby County will treat their clash at Elland Road like a cup final as he predicts a home victory.
Derby and Leeds face each other again for the first time since that memorable playoff clash.
(Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport/CameraSport via Getty Images).
The Whites seemingly had Derby’s number last year. Marcelo Bielsa’s side won all three games against the Rams prior to the playoff semi-final, but the Rams had the last laugh.
Trailing 1-0 from the first-leg, Derby won 4-2 at Elland Road to advance to the playoff final.
Leeds will be out for revenge on Saturday, and Beckford believes the Yorkshire club will get it.
It is [a big one against Derby], but we’re Leeds United. Everybody comes here for a cup final. We have cup finals for dinner, it’s what we do. He [Marcelo Bielsa] leaves no stone unturned. I’m pretty sure the result is going to end up similar to what it was [against Barnsley].
Leeds currently top the Championship table following their 2-0 win at Barnsley. The Whites have won five of their opening seven games, yet at Elland Road they have struggled somewhat.
Derby, however, come into the encounter without a win in six games. The Rams are a different side to the one which produced a stunning comeback at Elland Road in May.
Key loan players Fikayo Tomori, Mason Mount and Harry Wilson returned to their parent clubs. The trio are now playing regular Premier League football – illustrating their quality.
(Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images).
Derby struggled to replace them in the summer, leaving manager Phillip Cocu to pick up the pieces. The Dutchman faces a big challenge, and Leeds have the bit between their teeth.