Wigan v Leeds United: Chance for United to balance out the books

The Elland Road club have done the double over leaders Middlesbrough and fourth-placed Bournemouth.

Along with those notable victories, Leeds have also taken three points off second-placed Derby County, Ipswich Town and also drawn at Norwich City.

In stark contrast, however, is United’s record against the bottom six with Brighton having already completed the double and Fulham, Wigan and Rotherham all having beaten the West Yorkshire club.

Today brings an opportunity to improve on that poor showing as Neil Redfearn takes his side to third-bottom Wigan, who have not won in the league at the DW Stadium since August.

“It is just how things have fallen,” said the Elland Road head coach when asked about the imbalance in results this term.

“But I have to say we have contested and been in most games. I don’t think there have been many when we haven’t been at the races. Wigan, though, will be a tough game. The surface is going to be difficult. Wigan are due to win one at home and we have to make sure it isn’t against us. Wigan are fighting for their lives and doing well. They have picked up results lately on their travels. I am surprised where Wigan are in the league.

“When Wigan rose to the Premier League, it was a fairytale. They were a good side there, too. But coming down into the Championship can be tough and Wigan are showing that.”

The midweek win over Ipswich lifted Leeds to 15th place and 13 points clear of the bottom three. Redfearn added: “We have got to climb the table. The sooner we can get in the top 10, the better.”