Leeds United welcome Burnley to Elland Road in a Premier League fixture that carries a very different meaning for both clubs. For Leeds, this is a major opportunity to move closer to safety and finish the season strongly. For Burnley, the pressure of survival is already gone, but pride, response and future places in the team are still on the line.
The match takes place at Elland Road on Friday, May 1, 2026, with kickoff listed at 8 pm BST. Leeds enter the game unbeaten in five league matches and six points clear of 18th-placed Tottenham Hotspur. At the same time, Burnley have already been relegated and are now under the temporary charge of Mike Jackson after Scott Parker’s departure.
Match Preview
Leeds have found form at the right time. Daniel Farke’s side has not fully secured its Premier League place yet, but its recent improvement has given it a strong platform. They have picked up nine points from their last five league matches and have become one of the better-form teams among the clubs still looking over their shoulder.
The home crowd at Elland Road will expect Leeds to attack this game with energy. Burnley’s relegation has already been confirmed, and the Clarets arrive after a difficult run that has seen them win just once in 25 fixtures. That poor form, combined with managerial change, makes this a very difficult away trip.
However, Leeds cannot treat this as an easy game. Burnley already beat Leeds 2-0 in the reverse fixture on October 18, 2025, and they still have attacking players capable of causing problems. Zian Flemming, in particular, has been Burnley’s most dangerous outlet and has scored eight of his nine Premier League goals away from home.
Team News
Leeds have a fairly healthy squad, but Ilia Gruev is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. Gabriel Gudmundsson is also a concern, while Racing Post reports that Noah Okafor and Jaka Bijol face fitness tests. Okafor has been one of Leeds’ in-form players, scoring five of his seven club goals since the start of February, so his availability could be important.
Burnley has several injury problems. Josh Cullen, Connor Roberts and Jordan Beyer are definitely unavailable. Hannibal Mejbri, Axel Tuanzebe and Zeki Amdouni are closer to returning, but may not be ready to start.
Possible Leeds United Starting Lineup
Leeds United possible XI:
Darlow; Rodon, Bijol, Struijk; Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, Justin; Aaronson, Okafor; Calvert-Lewin.
Possible Burnley Starting Lineup
Burnley possible XI:
Dubravka; Walker, Ekdal, Esteve, Hartman; Ward-Prowse, Laurent, Edwards, Ugochukwu, Anthony; Flemming.
Racing Post’s predicted Burnley lineup uses a 4-2-3-1 system, while Sports Mole lists a slightly different defensive setup, but both sources expect Flemming to lead the attack.
Key Players to Watch
Noah Okafor could be the difference-maker for Leeds if he is passed fit. His recent scoring form gives Farke’s attack more pace, movement and confidence in the final third.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains Leeds’ main striker and top scorer, but he will want to improve his recent return after scoring only once in his last eight appearances.
For Burnley, Zian Flemming is the obvious danger man. He is one goal away from reaching double figures in the Premier League and has been especially effective away from home.
Prediction
Leeds should have enough quality, confidence and home advantage to win this match. Burnley may play with less pressure now that relegation is confirmed, but their defensive problems and poor run make it hard to back them at Elland Road.
Leeds need the points more, and that extra motivation could be decisive.
Prediction: Leeds United 2-1 Burnley
Betting Angle
Main Pick: Leeds United Win
Safer Pick: Leeds United Draw No Bet
Goals Pick: Over 1.5 Goals
Correct Score Idea: Leeds United 2-1 Burnley
Leeds look the stronger side, but because Burnley have already beaten them this season, a safer market such as Leeds Draw No Bet may be better than taking unnecessary risk.