Leeds United

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Monday's Premier League game against Newcastle at Elland Road (20:00 BST).

Listen to the full news conference on BBC Sounds here. The key lines are:

• Farke confirmed Joe Rodon remains out but he has "no new injury concerns" and "it seems like everyone else is available".

• Reflecting on Tuesday's thrilling 6-3 Carabao Cup exit at Chelsea, he said: "It was a crazy game. It happens sometimes, especially in the early round of the cup when there are many changes. Football games sometimes develop in this way and overall there were very tight statistics. It was tough to take because we wanted to go to the next round but I think it was a risk we had to take because some players needed rest and some needed important minutes. We have already drawn a line under it and we have bigger games ahead."

• Farke was asked about Noah Okafor's decision to step back from international football: "He came to inform and I appreciate he spoke to me. It is Noah's decision and he knows what is best for his career. We have a home here for Noah where he is appreciated. It's sometimes beneficial for a career. We take the best out of it and make sure he concentrates even more at the club and he can use the international breaks to recharge."

• More on Okafor's impact: "Noah was a key player for us especially at the end of last season. He has this X factor where he can take players on with unbelievable pace and he has quality in the end product. He has had a difficult pre-season and can't play 90 minutes every game. Sometimes after 60 or 70 minutes we have to look after him. There's more to come from him and I'm looking forward to having him at 100%."

• Farke said it was an "obvious" and "good" decision to keep the West Stand at Elland Road open this season during stadium expansion works: "We are just in the second year after promotion, we need the support for our home supporters. The stadium plays a big part in why we have an unbelievable home record and we need that again. Also for financial reasons it is beneficial for the club."

• On 21-year-old winger Jean-Matteo Bahoya, who is yet to make his debut after arriving on deadline day: "He is very young and we have to prepare him physically for Premier League level. He has unbelievable skill and pace. He can hurt teams but we have to make sure his all-round game is prepared for the top level. We are working hard with him. He is a top guy and is working very hard in training. Football is different in Germany and France - here it is more physical and intense."

Got a question about Leeds? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

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The Premier League has announced it will stage seven matches on Boxing Day this year after releasing its festive schedule.

Four fixtures will be staged at 15:00 GMT, with further matches played at 12:30, 17:30 and 20:00.

The fixture programme for 26 December, which falls on a Saturday in 2026, is considerably bigger than last year, when one game was held.

Three matches will be played on Sunday, 27 December, while three further rounds of games will be held over a period up to Thursday, 7 January.

A round of evening midweek fixtures will staged on 29-30 December, while Leeds will host Everton (20:00) for the only match on New Year's Day.

The remainder of that round will be held over the weekend of 2-3 January, with the fourth round of games spread across the evenings of 5-7 January.

The Premier League has brought forward the announcement of fixture scheduling over the Christmas and New Year period after consultation with both broadcast partners and the Football Supporters' Association and representatives from club Fan Advisory Boards.

Television scheduling for Premier League fixtures has been announced up to Monday, 2 November, with broadcast selections for the remaining games in November and December to be announced in the weeks commencing 21 September and 19 October respectively.

The Premier League has guaranteed clubs at least a 60-hour break between fixtures over the festive period to address the concerns over a congested festive schedule that follows recent expansions of the European and international calendars.

Premier League Christmas and New Year schedule

Saturday, 26 December

12:30 Aston Villa v Leeds

15:00 Everton v Sunderland

15:00 Fulham v Brighton

15:00 Ipswich v Brentford

15:00 Spurs v AFC Bournemouth

17:30 Hull v Liverpool

20:00 Newcastle v Manchester City

Sunday, 27 December

14:00 Coventry v Chelsea

16:30 Manchester Utd v Nottingham Forest

19:00 Crystal Palace v Arsenal

Tuesday, 29 December

19:30 Hull v Leeds

19:30 Spurs v Brighton

20:15 Everton v Manchester City

Wednesday, 30 December

19:30 Coventry v Brentford

19:30 Crystal Palace v AFC Bournemouth

19:30 Fulham v Arsenal

19:30 Manchester United v Sunderland

19:30 Newcastle v Nottingham Forest

20:15 Aston Villa v Liverpool

20:15 Ipswich v Chelsea

Friday, 1 January

20:00 Leeds v Everton

Saturday, 2 January

12:30 Brighton v Manchester United

15:00 Arsenal v Ipswich

15:00 Brentford v Crystal Palace

15:00 Liverpool v Coventry

15:00 Nottingham Forest v Fulham

15:00 Sunderland v Hull

17:30 AFC Bournemouth v Aston Villa

Sunday, 3 January

14:00 Chelsea v Newcastle

16:30 Manchester City v Spurs

Tuesday, 5 January

19:30 Arsenal v Brentford

19:30 Brighton v AFC Bournemouth

19:30 Everton v Aston Villa

19:30 Nottingham Forest v Hull

20:15 Sunderland v Liverpool

Wednesday, 6 January

19:30 Crystal Palace v Chelsea

19:30 Fulham v Spurs

19:30 Ipswich v Coventry

20:15 Leeds v Manchester City

Thursday, 7 January

20:00 Manchester United v Newcastle

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We asked for your views on Leeds United's 6-3 Carabao Cup third-round loss at Chelsea.

Here are some of your comments:

Richard: Very good performance from us for 55 minutes with a much-rotated squad. The momentum of the game changed 180 degrees when the referee incorrectly awarded Chelsea a penalty. Daniel Farke was a bit slow to react to Chelsea's substitutions, allowing them to take control of midfield for a crucial 15-minute period. Leeds regained some of the momentum for their third goal, but Chelsea rode their luck for the late goals. 6-3 flattered the home team. Poor debut for Michael Zetterer, who has got off to a poor start with the fans. Overall, it's one of those 'forgive and forget' games.

Andy: Farke doesn't make changes soon enough. At 2-2, we're still in it; at 4-2, we're not. Too little, too late - as usual. And the keeper - I haven't got words for that performance. We still need a decent number two because he was shocking. Congratulations to Chelsea, though. Six goals is something special.

Ian: Excellent first half, totally bad second half. Simple as that.

Jonny: James Trafford has just become our most important player overnight. This second-half performance from Michael Zetterer gave me Paul Rachubka against Blackpool flashbacks.

Stuart: Crazy game, but we were in control until the referee decided we shouldn't be! It was never a penalty, and the one on Noah Okafor was nailed on. Disgraceful!

Adrian: As soon as Leeds went 2-0 up, Farke should have made three or four substitutions to get his strongest team on the pitch. You should always change from a position of strength if possible, and this seemed glaringly obvious to me, especially with the next game not until Monday and it being early in the season.

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke, speaking to Sky Sports: "A bit of a crazy game. Sometimes it happens when there is loads of changes.

"We played with confidence. There was not even a chance for them. Then the referee decided to give a penalty. Nobody was asking for it. All of a sudden, their players came into the game. The momentum was on their side. Situations can change the whole momentum of the game."

On whether the penalty was the sole reason they lost: "No, of course, it wasn't one incident. We had to defend moments better. It was a very equal game. The focus and detail could have been better. We tried to come back, but small, small details made the difference today."

On a possible contract extension: "No. Nothing to speak of."

Listen to more from Farke above or on BBC Sounds

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Chelsea's performance

What did you make of Leeds' display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Thursday for a selection of your replies.

Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent

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Brentford should have been awarded a penalty at Leeds United for Jayden Bogle's challenge on Kevin Schade, the Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel has said.

But the KMI Panel voted that the decision did not reach the threshold for a video assistant referee intervention, so Neil Davies was correct not to send referee Tony Harrington to the pitchside monitor.

Bogle stood on the boot of the Brentford attacker inside the area in the 66th minute of the teams' 1-1 draw at Elland Road last month.

The Bees led 1-0 at the time and could have had the opportunity to double their advantage.

The KMI Panel voted 4:1 that Harrington should have given the penalty, but supported the VAR outcome 3:2.

"There was foot on foot contact instigated by Bogle with enough contact for a penalty kick," the KMI Panel noted.

"However, given the high threshold for VAR intervention, the panel felt the referee's call should remain on field as it wasn't a clear and obvious error."

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

Some of you have been in touch using our Ask Me Anything form on Leeds United.

Derek asked me why Leeds have not signed a striker to deputise for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and wonders if the Leeds recruitment team have been short sighted.

I can say I don't think it was for the lack of trying Derek. Daniel Farke was clear that he wanted to add two or three senior and proven players to his attack. Harry Wilson obviously came in while Mikhailo Mudryk did not, so the latter slot was replaced with the potential of Jean-Matteo Bahoya. When it comes to another centre-forward I really think it comes down to affordability of a player who can improve the squad.

Ipswich Town paid £20m for Burnley's Zian Fleming which seems a reasonable price for a 28-year-old with Premier League experience. However, he will probably start for them whereas at United he would be third choice. Be honest, in this summer's market were you able to buy a top quality striker for anything near a sensible price?

Also, the new Squad Cost Ratio parameters make it slightly more difficult for Leeds United in the short term to spend on signings after shelling out big fees for James Trafford and Tarik Muharemovic, whilst admittedly selling Pascal Struijk. You also have to factor in the cost of the improved contracts for senior players like Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon and Jayden Bogle and the lift in the salary level.

You can send your Leeds questions to our form

Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.

We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.

Find out more here

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

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Mykhailo Mudryk became the first player to move from Chelsea to Tottenham in 17 years and the first loanee to join Spurs from Chelsea since 1992.

The Ukraine international, 25, has since returned to action, making his first competitive appearance in more than 21 months as a substitute in Roberto de Zerbi's side against Nottingham Forest this weekend.

Upon joining, Mudryk reiterated that De Zerbi, who managed him at Shakhtar Donetsk, was his "football father".

However, a move to north London was not a realistic option until the last few days of the window.

Spurs had previously explored moves for Liverpool's Cody Gakpo and then-Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye, with Richarlison set to move in the opposite direction to the Toffees.

However, Liverpool opted to keep Gakpo, while neither Ndiaye nor Richarlison agreed personal terms despite the clubs reaching an agreement. Ndiaye ultimately joined Manchester City instead.

Meanwhile, Leeds United were favourites to sign Mudryk.

Their proposed deal included a loan fee, full wage coverage and penalties if the attacker was not played.

Leeds had at least two offers rejected by Chelsea during talks that lasted more than two weeks, but remained hopeful of completing a deal because they were Mudryk's preferred destination.

Brentford also explored the possibility of signing Mudryk, having previously attempted to acquire him in 2022, but wanted an affordable option-to-buy clause that Chelsea were unwilling to include.

Leeds were blindsided when Chelsea and Spurs held club-to-club talks over deals for both Mudryk and Tosin Adarabioyo on the same day, helping reduce the size of Chelsea's squad at a crucial stage of the window.

The agreement for Mudryk also included a £75m option to buy. While that option is considered unlikely to be exercised, it is expected to establish a high benchmark for any asking price should Chelsea decide to sell the attacker next summer.

Ultimately, the Yorkshire club instead completed a deal for Eintracht Frankfurt attacker Jean-Matteo Bahoya, using an extended deal-sheet deadline to secure an initial loan move with an obligation to buy, just before the window shut.

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Carabao Cup third-round tie against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Farke said there's "a little question mark" over Daniel James as he "reported an issue with his back after the warm-up at Brighton". He added: "The scan results were good. We have two more sessions [so] if he comes through those then he is hopefully available. Carefully optimistic."

• Farke confirmed there will be some squad rotation against Chelsea to help "integrate new players". The German also said he wants Leeds "to be difficult to predict and tactical".

• "It's possible" that goalkeeper Michael Zetterer will make his Whites debut in the cup, but they "won't make a decision before the training session this afternoon".

• Farke added that James Trafford could also retain his place in goal as he continues to work towards "finding his rhythm" at the club.

• On how Harry Wilson has performed in the opening three games: "We play with a different style of football to Fulham so it's normal that he would need time to adapt. I'm happy with Harry. He's a top professional."

• On how Leeds are approaching the Carabao Cup: "We will try to win it. It's the quickest way to some glory."

• On opponents Chelsea: "They are probably favourites, but we want to be competitive. We have to be ready for a very demanding game and be prepared for different scenarios. Be respectful, but have no fear."

Listen to live commentary of Chelsea v Leeds United on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3 and BBC Sounds on Wednesday

Got a question about Leeds? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

On the latest Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast from BBC Radio Leeds, Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Simon Rix debate whether it was a valuable point gained at Brighton or two points dropped.

Simon Rix said: "I see it as two points lost. Leeds were surprisingly attacking - and a bit worrying in that respect - but I felt like it worked.

"The surprise element of just doing something that Brighton haven't trained for. They got something totally different."

Although Leeds showed positive signs in attack, Dominic Calvert-Lewin had a frustrating first half.

Rix added: "Dominic Calvert-Lewin should have scored. They're not mad easy chances, but it's him. I expect him to score one of them."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

The latest Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast from BBC Radio Leeds is available to listen to now.

Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Simon Rix reflect on a draw at Brighton - and point gained despite changes to Daniel Farke's line-up and a result which kept the Whites' unbeaten record going three games into the Premier League season.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Brighton and Leeds United.

Here are some of your comments:

Brighton fans

Bob: It was a very slow start. Giving away possession and conceding an early goal showed the need to tighten up and keep the ball. The second half showed our potential. We missed a few chances but we are a young team and will learn from our mistakes.

Steve: Hard to explain such a transformation in attitude and performance, from a most inept first half to a totally dominant second. If we find a way to play for 90 minutes, we could be top six.

Jon: Terrible first half, better second half. It was again a case of Hurzeler putting square pegs in round holes, why the heck does he do this? Costinha looked sharp when he came on at right back. We had proper wingers available but the manager persists in finding somewhere for his favourites to play. He needs to learn, this is not all about him, and play players in the correct positions.

Jack: Very sloppy start from us by conceding the early goal. The second half was much better as we got a goal to make a draw. I hope we learn from this match that our signings need to step up fast before we play against Coventry because all our key players are injured.

Leeds United fans

Risey: Tanaka was outstanding today. Dominic Calvert-Lewin led the line very well against two strong central defenders. Overall a great team performance. It's a shame to not be travelling back with three points but heads should be held high as it is never an easy place to go for any team.

Billy: Maybe we should have put the game to bed in the opening half but to focus on the positives, if we were offered a point prior to the game, most would have taken it. Nice to see Jayden Boyle up his game after a disappointing performance against Brentford. Two home games against Newcastle and Crystal Palace before the international break. We should be targeting at least four, if not all six points.

David: Before the match I would have accepted a point but we should have won after the first-half display - so many missed chances. The Seagulls are a good team but obviously missing key players.

Chris: A great display but the number of good chances to score, missed by numerous players, highlights the fact that we all know. Leeds need a striker with a killer instinct, or maybe they should spend a couple of hours after training practicing scoring goals!

Sam Ashoo
Final Score reporter at Amex Stadium

Image source, Getty Images

I was somewhat surprised to see Ao Tanaka's name in the starting XI on Saturday, but there is a reason Daniel Farke is manager of Leeds United and I am not.

The Japan international was arguably the best player on the pitch, assisting Jayden Bogle's goal in the first half while producing a finish himself in the second, only for it to be ruled out for offside.

The midfield three of Tanaka, Anton Stach and Ethan Ampadu worked well. All three are physical in their own right, with Stach and Ampadu breaking up play, while Tanaka's tenacity and endurance gave Leeds an extra offensive outlet.

The 27-year-old is popular with the Leeds fans. The number of supporters in the Amex away end wearing shirts bearing his name proves that, but he is yet to establish himself as a regular starter since their return to the Premier League.

If he continues to perform as he did on Saturday, he will be impossible for Farke to drop.

It has been a long wait for Leeds fans to see Gabriel Gudmundsson back in action in a competitive match for the Whites.

Before Leeds' 1-1 draw against Brighton, the 27-year-old last featured for Leeds in April.

Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, Gudmundsson gave credit to the physio team for helping him through his recovery from a hamstring injury - and on Saturday's game, added: "I feel Brighton is a difficult place to come.

"Last season we lost here quite badly, so I think we are doing some good stuff."

Farke's side are unbeaten in their first four matches of the season and face Chelsea next in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday.

"The process starts now, and it is going to get better and better for us," said Gudmundsson.

Hit play above to hear the full clip or listen on BBC Sounds here

Keifer MacDonald
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds are likely to feel equally as frustrated as their opponents that they will make the long trip back to Yorkshire with only a share of the spoils.

For large parts of the afternoon it seemed only a case of how many goals Daniel Farke's side would put past Brighton as they raced into an early lead on the south coast.

The fact that Leeds have now scored only once in their last eight games at the Amex will have weighed heavily on the shoulders of their players as they missed several opportunities, with Anton Stach coming the closest, to extending their lead further.

But as a clear sense of fatigue seeped into the legs of the Leeds players in the latter stages of the match, the Whites can be thankful that Brighton, who registered four of their five shots on target in the second half, didn't punish their weariness.

It should not take away from the fact it remains a strong point on board for Farke and Leeds, who have now only lost three of their last 16 Premier League games and are hoping this season will be spent higher up the table than last campaign.

Five points from the opening three games of the season suggest that Leeds are on course to do that.

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "It's a good point on the road. It's a tough place to come so it's a good point because Brighton are a good team. But we had a chances to win it. Normally if you miss so many chances in an away game, you come away with no points so I'm happy to have a point in our hands.

"It's a very good start for us - two difficult away games. It can always be better but overall it's a good start and we are happy with it."

On Dominic Calvert-Lewin's performance: "Dominic was a big leader for us. He normally puts his chances to bed, but he's a fantastic leader, fantastic player and we are happy to have him."

Listen to Farke speak to BBC Radio Leeds here

Did you know?

• Leeds have only lost one of their last 12 games in the Premier League (won five, drawn six) – excluding promoted teams, no side have lost fewer in the competition in this period (since March 15th).

• Jayden Bogle's opener ended a run of 759 minutes without an away goal for Leeds against Brighton, with his strike the first by any player for the club there since November 2012.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Brighton's performance

What did you make of Leeds' display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.

There are seven games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Newcastle v Bournemouth (12:30)

• Brentford v Sunderland

• Brighton v Leeds

• Fulham v Crystal Palace

• Man City v Coventry - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Nottingham Forest v Tottenham - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Hull v Aston Villa (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated.

Follow all of the action and reaction here

How to follow the Premier League weekend across the BBC

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play Nottingham Forest v Tottenham" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Aston Villa match", for example.

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Simply follow your favourite football teams on the BBC Sport app for updates throughout the 2026-27 season.

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New this season: Match of the Day Predictor

Simply predict the outcome of the six fixtures we've selected from across domestic and European competitions every week.

Players can join at any time, get involved with the latest round and start building a streak.

Read more about it here

You can find the predictor in the navigation bar at the top of this page, or on this link

I am not really sure what to make of Brighton yet. They smashed Aston Villa on the opening weekend but then lost to Chelsea despite dominating possession in what was a really strange game.

Leeds can be quite cagey on the road under Daniel Farke, but they are very good at what they do, and they will be a threat on the break.

I am still going with Brighton to win because they are playing with freedom at the moment, but I don't see them keeping a clean sheet and this is going to be close.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Matt Jones
BBC Sport journalist

After a rollercoaster start to their Premier League campaign, Brighton & Hove Albion welcome an improving Leeds United team to the Amex Stadium on Saturday (15:00 BST).

The Seagulls were 4-0 winners over Aston Villa in their opener, then lost 4-3 at Chelsea last time out. Head coach Fabian Hurzeler will have taken some positives from the clash at Stamford Bridge though, namely the manner in which his team bossed long periods of the contest.

As for Leeds, they followed up a win over Nottingham Forest in their first game with a creditable draw at home to Brentford. A strong start to the season and some shrewd summer business means spirits are high at Elland Road.

Brighton seeking balance

Brighton games so far have certainly been eventful. The 4-3 loss at Stamford Bridge means they are just the second side since 1950 to score four or more goals in their first game of an English top-flight season and then concede four or more in their second, after Blackpool in 2010-11.

Hurzeler would have been unhappy with the defensive lapses in the early stages of the game – they were 2-0 down after 14 minutes and 3-0 down after 32 minutes – but his team did show quality and spirit to battle back.

Indeed, Brighton's possession of 74.4% was the highest on record (from 2003-04) by any side in a Premier League game against Chelsea. The Blues actually only completed 155 passes in the match, their lowest total in a Premier League game since 2003-04.

Brighton have averaged 73.1% and 74.1% possession in their first two games so far this season, against Villa and Chelsea respectively. Since Opta records began in 2003-04, no side has averaged above 70% possession in their first three Premier League games.

Against Leeds, Hurzeler will want to see the same sort of control without the chaos at the back. For all their possession, they have made more errors leading to a shot than any other team in the division so far.

Image source, BBC Sport

Leeds looking for elusive win

While Leeds may be happy to relinquish possession on the road, they showed against Brentford last time out that getting on the front foot can help negate a dangerous opponent.

Farke switched from a 5-3-2 to a 4-3-3 at the interval with his team trailing, and Leeds were much improved in the second half.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin was on target with the equaliser, his 15th Premier League goal for the club. There is a sense that the Whites will be hugely reliant on the England forward to be a point of difference again this season.

After two games of the new season, Calvert-Lewin has applied 104 high-intensity pressures in the opposition half, with only Hull's Oliver McBurnie, with 105, doing so more often. Only Igor Jesus of Nottingham Forest, with 16, has won more aerial duels than the Leeds striker's 11.

With two away wins already recorded this season – at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League and in the League Cup – Leeds will hope to end their miserable record at the Amex Stadium. They have played more matches without winning at the Amex than at any other stadium in their entire history, drawing three and losing seven of their 10 games there.