Stat guru, StatZone (@StatZoneSports), has compared some of the numbers behind Samuel Saiz and Stewart Downing’s performances in the Sky Bet Championship this season, ahead of Sunday’s clash between Leeds United and Middlesbrough.  

Sunday will see Saiz’ Leeds go up against Downing’s Boro at Elland Road, which will mark Garry Monk’s return to Elland Road, where he spent last season as the club’s head-coach.

Saiz and Downing are both key creative players for Leeds and Boro respectively, but it is 26-year-old Saiz, who has posted far better stats so far this season in the Championship.

The Spanish playmaker has four goals and three assists from his 14 appearances, compared to Downing, who is yet to find the back of the net this season from his 10 appearances and has assisted just once.

The Leeds forward has also attempted four times as many shots as Downing this season, whilst almost doubled his key pass tally and registered way more touches in the opposition penalty area.

Downing has a more accurate shooting accuracy, and has also been caught offside less than Saiz this season, which are the only areas the 33-year-old has been superior to the Leeds man this term.

The Verdict  

Saiz and Downing will both be key to Sunday’s fixture at Elland Road, with the duo tasked with unlocking the defence for their respective clubs.

These stats show that Saiz has been far superior to Downing this season, but as a team, Downing’s Boro have looked far more efficient than Leeds, who are reliant on Saiz.

Leeds will once again be turning to Saiz to guide them back to winning ways on Sunday, but Thomas Christiansen, who is under increasing pressure at Elland Road, will be hoping other members of his squad step up.

Leeds and Boro fans… Let us know your thoughts!