Leeds eager to extend three-game unbeaten run as Palace visits.
Leeds vs. Crystal Palace kicks off at 20:00 [GMT] on Saturday, December 20, at Elland Road.
Newly promoted Leeds have begun to steady after a difficult spell earlier in the season. Following four consecutive Premier League defeats, Daniel Farke’s side are now unbeaten in their last three matches [LLWDD], taking five points from a possible nine. That run has been underpinned by a sharper attacking edge at home, where Leeds have scored three goals in each of their last two league games. It is a level of attacking output they have not sustained across three straight home matches since the 2001-02 campaign, and it has helped restore confidence around Elland Road. Leeds’ own attacking improvement has been stark since the November international break. After scoring just 10 goals in their first 11 games with a shot conversion rate of 7.6%, they have matched that tally in five matches since, almost doubling their efficiency in front of goal. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has led the line impressively, scoring in four consecutive league appearances. The English forward will be hoping to make the difference when the Eagles come calling on Saturday. A 3—5—2 with the 28-year-old teaming up with Noah Okafor in attack is expected against Palace.
Crystal Palace, however, arrive with one of the strongest away records in the division. No team has collected more Premier League points on the road in 2025 than the Eagles, with 34 away points and 10 wins, a remarkable return for a side outside the traditional ‘big six’. Palace’s approach has been clear: compact without the ball and ruthless in transition. Seventeen of their last 20 league victories have come with under 50% possession, a trend that has defined their success this year. The recent head-to-head also favours Palace. Leeds have lost their last two Premier League meetings with the Eagles, as many defeats as they suffered across the previous nine encounters combined. Palace were particularly dominant on their last visit to Elland Road, running out 5-1 winners in April 2023. Another win here would see them achieve something they have never done before — back-to-back top-flight away victories against Leeds. Despite their strong performances, Palace have not always been clinical. They have underperformed their expected goals more than any other Premier League side this season, scoring 20 goals from an xG of 26.5. Even so, their average of 1.7 xG per game is their highest since returning to the top flight in 2013, suggesting their attacking process remains sound. Jean-Philippe Mateta has been central to that threat, scoring four non-penalty goals, all from first-time finishes. A 3—4—2—1 formation with Mateta in attack is expected.