Tonight’s clash at Sheffield United needs no building up to Leeds United fans. The Championship’s top two collide in a seismic clash that many will brand as a title six-pointer.

Daniel Farke will be absent from the touchline after being handed a yellow card for encroaching onto the pitch during the celebrations for the winning goal against Sunderland. That is his third of the season, which is the threshold for a one-game suspension.

United will be riding the crest of the wave of emotion that poured out of Elland Road as Pascal Struijk found the net in the 95th-minute against Sunderland on Monday. Farke will have had a full week to prepare his men for the trip to south Yorkshire, and there is a lot to chew over.

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What’s at stake

The clubs are separated by two points with 13 matches left to play. The more significant gap for Leeds in regards to their promotion bid is the distance to Burnley in third, which is now seven points.

The Clarets play Sheffield Wednesday on Friday, so might have jumped back to within four points by the time Leeds kick off against the Blades. But should Scott Parker’s men slip up, then Monday’s match increases in importance.

It’s a vital match in regards to the title race either way. Should Leeds win, they go five points clear. Lose, and they slip back down to second. Three points would not only give Leeds a competitive advantage but also a psychological one too ahead of the run-in period. Lots to play for.

Wilder’s mind games

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has pumped up Leeds’ promotion chances throughout the season, perhaps in an attempt to direct pressure onto the Whites. Back in December, he suggested Leeds were “miles ahead” of Sheffield United.

Since then, the Blades have made seven winter signings, including Tom Cannon who joined for a fee of around £11million - the most expensive Championship acquisition this mid-season. Yet, Wilder says he still believes Leeds have the upper hand.

“Leeds are the talked-about team and rightly so,” he said last week. “They’re a fabulous group of players and are well-coached, smashing everybody here, there and everywhere.

“They’re everybody’s tip to win it. From my point of view, I’d say the same.”

Whether this praise is genuine or an attempt to lull United into complacency - or perhaps both - is not clear. But Leeds can directly provide their own response next week.

Hamer links

Leeds have been linked with holding transfer interest in Gustavo Hamer, and Wilder name-checked the Whites when discussing his keenness to keep hold of the 27-year-old midfield pivot.

“I’m sure there’s interest from a lot of good clubs and Leeds is a good club, a big club,” said Wilder. “We don’t want to lose our best players. We lost one in the summer, which I was disappointed about, and we need to keep our best players and invest in them.”

On Monday, Leeds once again will get a closer look at Hamer, who played in his club's 2-0 defeat at Elland Road in October. And about that player Wilder mentioned he lost in the summer…

Reunions

Jayden Bogle is the one who got away for Sheffield United. He has been one of Leeds’ most consistent players this season and has arguably grown into the best right-back in the Championship.

He left Bramall Lane for Leeds for a measly £5m, which Leeds can count as a bargain. Meanwhile, Ethan Ampadu returns to Sheffield United as captain of Leeds.

He spent the 2020/21 season on loan at the club from Chelsea, where he made 25 Premier League appearances. The club were relegated that season.

Now he is looking to make their route back to the Premier League this time around a bit tougher by guiding Leeds to three points. Expect a few boos and jeers to ring around the ground when the duo get on the ball.