The curtain falls on the 2024–25 EFL Championship season this Saturday as league leaders Leeds United travel to Home Park to take on a Plymouth Argyle side staring at relegation. While Leeds aim to put the finishing touch on a dominant campaign by sealing the title, the hosts will play for pride in what is expected to be their final match in the second tier, at least for now.
For Plymouth, the final day carries an air of resignation more than hope. Their fate was practically confirmed last weekend, even before kicking off against Preston North End. Luton Town’s crucial win over Coventry City earlier that day effectively closed the survival door, rendering any last-gasp effort mathematically implausible. Still, the Pilgrims delivered a fighting display at Deepdale, securing a 2-1 win courtesy of goals from Mustapha Bundu and Callum Wright, a result that lifted them off the bottom of the table, but little more.
Manager Miron Muslic didn’t sugarcoat reality post-match, admitting that survival would require a miracle involving a 13-goal win over Leeds and simultaneous defeats for both Luton and Hull City. While their Championship status is all but gone, Plymouth will still be determined to end their campaign on a high in front of their home fans, where they’ve recently found some success. Home Park has been a source of encouragement, with the Pilgrims winning their last three games there, against Norwich City, Sheffield United, and Coventry, suggesting they won’t be pushovers despite the looming drop.
Saturday also marks a significant moment for the opposition. Leeds United are on the verge of completing their return to the Premier League in style. With promotion already in the bag, Daniel Farke’s men now have their sights set on clinching the Championship title. They currently sit top of the table, ahead of Burnley on goal difference, and a win at Home Park would likely be enough to secure the silverware, especially given their superior goal tally.
Leeds enter the final match riding the wave of a nine-game unbeaten run, which includes five straight wins. Their last two home matches were emphatic statements of intent: a 6-0 thrashing of Stoke City followed by a commanding 4-0 win over Bristol City. Largie Ramazani struck twice in the latter, with Ao Tanaka and Wilfried Gnonto also on the scoresheet, pushing Leeds within touching distance of the 100-point milestone, a marker of excellence that would further underline their dominance.
Farke’s squad will also take confidence from their track record against Saturday’s opponents. Leeds have won each of their last five league encounters with Plymouth, including a 3-0 triumph in the reverse fixture back in November. History, form, and motivation are all on the visitors’ side. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Plymouth Argyle will be without several key players as they prepare to conclude their Championship campaign against title-chasing Leeds United. The hosts are still missing Brendan Galloway and Matthew Sorinola, both ruled out through injury. Additionally, midfielder Darko Gyabi, on loan from Leeds, will not be eligible to feature against his parent club due to loan agreement terms.
There are also fresh concerns in defence for manager Miron Muslic. Julio Pleguezuelo was substituted at half-time in the recent win over Preston North End with a suspected muscular issue, making him a serious doubt for Saturday’s clash. Fellow centre-back Nikola Katić is facing a race against time to recover from a dead leg sustained last weekend. His availability will be determined closer to kick-off. These defensive concerns could force Plymouth into late reshuffles at the back as they look to close their campaign on a respectable note.
Despite the absences, Plymouth are likely to stick with their familiar 3-4-2-1 formation, which has offered a balance between defensive coverage and attacking width in recent weeks. Conor Hazard is expected to start in goal. The back three will likely consist of Dan Szűcs on the right, Victor Pálsson in the central role, and Martin Talovierov on the left side of the defensive trio.
Joe Edwards and Bali Mumba are expected to operate as wing-backs, offering width and energy down the flanks. Jordan Houghton and Adam Randell should feature in central midfield, tasked with controlling tempo and shielding the back line. Further forward, Ryan Hardie and Callum Wright are likely to occupy the attacking midfield roles, supporting Mustapha Bundu, who is expected to lead the line after scoring in last weekend’s victory.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Hazard; Szucs, Palsson, Talovierov; Edwards, Houghton, Randell, Mumba; Hardie, Wright; Bundu
Leeds United will be without several key players as they aim to clinch the Championship title on the final day of the season at Home Park. Centre-back Pascal Struijk and young midfielder Sam Chambers remain sidelined due to long-term injuries and will not be part of the travelling squad. There is also concern surrounding Isaac Schmidt, who missed Monday’s commanding win over Bristol City with a knee problem. He remains a doubt for the trip to Plymouth, with a late fitness test expected.
Daniel Farke is also sweating over the availability of two more senior figures, Junior Firpo and Daniel James, both of whom are recovering from hamstring issues. Firpo’s recurring muscle problems have limited his involvement this season, while James’ explosive pace has been missed on the flanks in recent weeks. Both players are racing against time to be available for the final fixture. On a more positive note, Joe Rothwell is expected to return to the matchday squad after recovering from a minor setback, though Farke has made it clear that the midfielder is not yet fit to start.
Leeds are expected to retain their dynamic 4-2-3-1 formation, which has been central to their attacking success during the run-in. Karl Darlow is likely to keep his place in goal. The defensive line should see Jayden Bogle starting at right-back, with Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu continuing their impressive partnership in central defence. Luke Byram is expected to slot in at left-back, providing experience and balance.
In midfield, Ilia Gruev and Ao Tanaka are expected to form the double pivot, offering a mix of control, defensive solidity, and transitional play. The attacking midfield trio will likely feature Wilfried Gnonto on the left wing, Brenden Aaronson operating through the centre as the playmaker, and Manor Solomon providing width and trickery from the right. Up front, Joel Piroe is expected to lead the line, hoping to add to his goal tally and help Leeds seal the Championship crown.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Darlow; Bogle, Rodon, Ampadu, Byram; Gruev, Tanaka; Gnonto, Aaronson, Solomon; Piroe
Plymouth Argyle are winless in their last 11 league meetings with Leeds United (D2, L9). Notably, they have lost each of the last five encounters while conceding two or more goals in every one of those defeats.
As Leeds United aim to seal the Championship title on the final day of the season, all eyes will be on Joel Piroe, the Dutch striker who has been a consistent presence in Daniel Farke’s attacking setup this campaign. Signed from Swansea City last summer, Piroe arrived at Elland Road with high expectations—and while his goal tally hasn’t quite matched the heights of previous seasons, his overall influence remains significant.
Piroe has struck 13 goals in the Championship this season, a figure that underscores his natural eye for goal and ability to operate in tight spaces. Known for his calm finishing and intelligent movement, the 24-year-old offers a composed presence in the final third, often popping up in the right place at the right time. Whether linking up play with Brenden Aaronson or pouncing on through balls from Wilfried Gnonto or Ao Tanaka, Piroe’s instinctive timing and sharp reactions make him a constant threat.
Beyond the goals, Piroe’s positional versatility has allowed Daniel Farke to use him as a lone striker or even as a deeper-lying forward in a 4-2-3-1 system. This flexibility has helped Leeds unlock compact defences and provided tactical balance during key moments in the title race. Even in games where he doesn’t find the net, his hold-up play and awareness create opportunities for others around him.
As Leeds travel to face a relegation-bound but spirited Plymouth side, Joel Piroe could well be the difference-maker. With Leeds chasing the title and the 100-point milestone, the Dutchman will be eager to add another goal to his name and perhaps seal his place in club folklore with a decisive performance.
Plymouth may show resolve in their farewell to the Championship, especially on home turf, but Leeds’ firepower, motivation to claim the title, and superior quality should ultimately shine through. Expect the hosts to offer resistance early on, but the visitors are well-equipped to take control and finish the season in championship-winning fashion.
