EFL confirm major Leeds United decision as statement released...

Sheffield Wednesday will play Leeds United in the Championship.

Following the confirmation of a historic deal, Leeds United’s forthcoming Championship matchup against Sheffield

Wednesday will be shown on free-to-air television.

After their FA Cup third-round encounter with League Two Harrogate Town on Saturday, Daniel Farke’s team will

host Wednesday at Elland Road on Sunday for their next league match. The Whites will be eager to capitalise on

their home dominance after battling through the holiday season undefeated to maintain their top status.

Although Leeds defeated Wednesday 2-0 at Hillsborough in the rematch back in August, Danny Rohl’s team has

significantly improved despite their recent slump in play. The EFL stated Wednesday morning that the Yorkshire

derby, which will now have extra importance, will begin at Elland Road at 12 p.m. on Saturday, January 19.

Leeds vs Wednesday decision

The EFL has confirmed that ITV will also show the game concurrently, so those without a membership can still

witness Wednesday’s January visit to Elland Road, which Sky Sports selected as one of their TV picks some time

ago.”As part of an agreement with Sky Sports and the EFL, ITV will broadcast two Sky Bet Championship fixtures to

give all UK football fans the chance to watch free-to-air coverage,” the statement read.

TV viewers may choose between Sky Sports Football and ITV1, while those who are on the go can watch the Elland

Road match live by logging into the Sky Sports or ITVX apps. The first of two Championship games this season

selected for the historic deal is Leeds vs. Wednesday. On Monday, February 3, Middlesbrough vs. Sunderland will

follow.

Mark Demuth, Controller of ITV Sport, said: “We are delighted to continue our relationship with the EFL by

broadcasting free-to-air fixtures for our viewers to enjoy. The Carabao Cup and Sky Bet Championship are staples of

English football and I am sure fans will relish the opportunity to watch on ITV Sport.”

As we enter the second half of the season, the competition for promotion spots is already looking as fierce as ever

across the three divisions, according to Trevor Birch, Chief Executive of the EFL, who also stated: “The EFL is home

to some of the most well-liked and thrilling competitions in world football.

“We are delighted that this agreement between the League, ITV and Sky Sports will open them up to an even wider

audience, and would like to extend our thanks to both partners for making this possible.”

Leeds dropped points on the road once again on Saturday, inexplicably throwing away a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 a

Hull City. But the point keeps Farke’s side top going into their FA Cup clash and first-team regulars will likely be

rested ahead of the second half of the season.

They will also play back-to-back home Championship games, with Farke’s old team, Norwich City, arriving after

Wednesday’s derby-day visit. Leeds hasn’t lost at home since the middle of September. They have 28 points out of a

possible 30, with the most recent 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers serving as the only setback in their 10-game

winning streak.

Farke will be itching for that type of home form to continue, and he may even hope that a much-needed break will set

the stage for a run like the one he had at this time last year. After defeating Peterborough in the FA Cup, Leeds went

on an incredible 14-game league winning streak to catch up to Leicester City and Ipswich Town, who were far ahead

of them in January of last year.