Sky Sports pundit, Danny Higginbotham insists that Leeds will be favourites heading into their game against Stoke City this weekend, as they look to strengthen their grip on top spot. 

Speaking in an exclusive interview to FLW's Jacob Potter, the former Stoke defender is impressed with the impact that Marcelo Bielsa has had on this Leeds squad that had struggled in recent seasons.

"As for Leeds, they’re deservedly top of the league, they were absolutely magnificent from start to finish and Bielsa from the first day he walked in at the club, has been excellent with the players.

"The way the players have adjusted to it and he really got his message across quickly in pre-season and they’ve hit the ground running."

The 40-year-old insisted that Stoke need to start well in this one, as Leeds could easily gain a foothold in the game, in what will be Nathan Jones' first home league game in charge of the Potters.

"It’s important that Stoke get off to a good start, but from my perspective on Leeds, they’re very difficult to play at the moment, they’re fluid, defensively strong and they’ll cause problems for anyone they play against.

"Stoke aren’t having a good run with the way things are going, and it’s going to take time for them to adjust to the new manager."

But the former Manchester United man feels that this is the sort of game where Leeds will need to justify their promotion credentials as they look to return to the Premier League after a lengthy absence away from the top flight.

"Obviously Stoke are my former club and I wish them the very best at turning things around this season and have a strong second half of the season.

"But without doubt, Leeds go there full of confidence, so it’s going to be a tough test for Jones at Stoke this weekend.

"If Leeds want to continue at the top of the league, then these will be the games that they have to be winning this season."

It's sure to be a potentially tricky fixture for Leeds this weekend, but they could send out a real statement to their promotion rivals with a win on Saturday.