Leeds United will be looking to return to winning ways when they host Oxford United at Elland Road this afternoon, kick-off 3pm. It is fair to say the Whites will head into the clash as huge favourites to pick up maximum points.

The U's have been on a wretched run of form, recording just one win from their past 15 matches. They are fifth-from-bottom and have yet to win on their travels this season.

Des Buckingham led Oxford to promotion last year as League One play-off winners but their alarming sequence of results saw him lose his job. Former Millwall, Birmingham City and Derby County chief Gary Rowett was confirmed as their new head coach yesterday. Rowett will be in the stands to watch his new side in action, with his first match in charge of the U's set to be at home to Cardiff City next week.

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Here are three things to look out for around today’s contest.

How will United line up in defence?

We know there are fitness concerns over Pascal Struijk and Max Wober. It would be a major blow if Struijk is ruled as the Dutchman has been a tower of strength at the back.

Ethan Ampadu's recent return from injury is a huge boost. Manager Daniel Farke has labelled his captain the team's "most important player" and Ampadu is capable of filling in at centre-half. Josuha Guilavogui and James Debayo are other potential options available to Farke if he decides against throwing Ampadu in from the start. Ampadu is itching for a first start since September.

“You always want to play football," Ampadu told BBC Radio Leeds. "Whenever you're back training for a couple of weeks in your head you're always thinking you're ready to play however many minutes you're needed for. I couldn't tell you what's going to happen but I'll be ready for whatever's needed.”

The Whites have been defensively strong on their own turf this term, shipping in a measly six goals in 11 outings.

Will Farke alter their forward line?

There is not that much wrong with United's attacking play, is there? United have scored the most goals (37), have the highest xG (36.5) and have had the most shots (344) in the division as we approach the halfway stage of a gruelling campaign.

But given the busy schedule over the festive period, Farke has indicated he plans to rotate his attacking players to keep them sharp and fresh. Largie Ramazani and Manor Solomon could come into the German's thoughts in the wide positions. There has been some talk of shifting Wilfried Gnonto into the No 10 position and giving Brenden Araronson a rest but it seems unlikely Farke will leave him out.

Patrick Bamford made an impact after coming off the bench at Preston North End. Is it time to unleash him from the start with neither Joel Piroe or Mateo Joseph nailing down the striking berth?

Can United close the gap at the top?

Sheffield United lead the way at the summit, three points clear of the Whites. There is no disputing fact that they have been the best team in the league so far this year. They have suffered just two defeats and would have a commanding lead in the title race had they not kicked off the campaign with a two-point deduction.

Yet the strength and depth of the Blades' squad will be tested in the next fortnight. After a long trip to Cardiff City today, Chris Wilder's team have promotion rivals Burnley, West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland to play between Boxing Day and New Year's Day. It is a tough run of games and Leeds have to keep the pressure on their Yorkshire neighbours by churning out positive results over the holiday season.