AliousFormer Leeds United defender Dominic Matteo believes Crystal Palace will travel to Elland Road with danger in their ranks, but insists the upcoming clash represents a major opportunity for the Whites to claim a vital home victory.
Leeds arrive into the weekend on the back of successive Premier League draws, most recently battling back to secure a 1-1 result away at Brentford. That performance not only underlined the team’s growing resilience but also saw Dominic Calvert-Lewin continue his fine form, netting his fifth goal of the campaign and fourth in consecutive matches**. His resurgence has even sparked questions for head coach **Daniel Farke** about potential England consideration.
Matteo feels Leeds are beginning to show stronger leadership across the pitch, with more players stepping up in key moments. However, he admits that progress will face another serious examination when Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace arrive in West Yorkshire.
Speaking on LUTV, Matteo acknowledged Palace’s quality despite their recent 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, warning that the scoreline did not tell the full story. He stressed that while Palace were exposed defensively against the champions, they remain a side packed with ability and are typically well-organised at the back.
Still, Matteo’s confidence in Leeds is clear. He believes Elland Road provides a decisive edge and sees no reason why the Whites cannot impose themselves. According to the former defender, the atmosphere generated by the home crowd can once again turn the stadium into a fortress, giving Leeds the belief to press Palace aggressively and force mistakes.
Matteo described the fixture as “another opportunity” for Leeds to build momentum, urging the team and supporters to maintain the intensity that has made Elland Road such a difficult place for visiting sides this season.
That view is echoed elsewhere. Former manager Tony Pulis has also underlined the importance of home form, suggesting Leeds’ hopes of Premier League survival will largely depend on their results at Elland Road. With Palace facing a congested schedule — balancing Conference League and EFL Cup commitments around the Leeds fixture — the timing could be ideal for the Whites to take advantage.
For Leeds United, Saturday’s match is more than just another game. It is a chance to turn belief into points, harness the power of their home crowd, and prove they can overcome dangerous opposition when it matters most.
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