Leeds United head into the World Cup break with two points separating the Whites from 17th-placed Nottingham Forest.
Having embarked on an eight-match winless streak that stretched back to August, Jesse Marsch's side emphatically responded with a shock 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield and came back from a two-goal deficit to beat Bournemouth.
Supporters will also be buoyed by Leeds' performance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where the visitors were unfortunate to come away empty-handed following a 4-3 defeat.
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Considering basement boys Wolves and 14th-Placed Bournemouth are separated by just six points, the second half of the campaign is set to be a monumental one for teams that are looking to avoid being dragged into a relegation scrap, as Leeds were last season.
With that in mind, we take a look at the Whites' next five opponents, their season so far, key players and what to expect.
Manchester City (H)
Date: 28/12/2022
KO time: 20:00
Premier League form: LWWWL
League Position: 2nd
Star player: Erling Haaland
Season grade so far: B
Manchester City have been one of the Premier League's better performers. However, you could argue that they have failed to meet their impeccable standards at all times this season.
When on top form the Champions have been unstoppable, scoring six goals against Nottingham Forest and Manchester United, four against Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Southampton and three against Wolves and Newcastle.
Summer signing and self-confessed Leeds fan Erling Haaland has begun his career in English football like nobody before him. He has scored 18 top-flight goals in just 13 outings, with the Norwegian needing just five more strikes to equal the tally that would have won last season's golden boot.
Though signs of weakness have been evident, never more so than in their 2-1 defeat against Brentford at the Etihad Stadium. Leeds can take inspiration from the Bees, who consistently threatened via set pieces and crosses whilst remaining compact in defence and dangerous on the counter-attack.
Newcastle United (A)
Date: 31/12/2022
KO time: 15:00
Premier League form: WWWWW
League Position: 3rd
Star player: Miguel Almiron
Season grade so far: A
Whilst many would have expected an upturn in fortunes for Newcastle United following the much-discussed takeover by PIF, even the most optimistic of supporters would not have foreseen such an excellent campaign for the Magpies.
Having become the sweetheart of St James' Park, Eddie Howe continues to win plaudits for his work in the North East with Newcastle remarkably sitting 3rd in the Premier League. This time last year, they were routed to the relegation zone.
Some would solely attribute performances to the high-profile additions of Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes, Sven Botman and Alexander Isak, but such a presumption would be unfair. Howe has rejuvenated a squad that had previously appeared lacklustre, demonstrated by Miguel Almiron's dramatic resurgence and form in front of goal.
Newcastle have shown pedigree against the Premier League's big names, securing impressive wins against Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in recent outings. They even netted four in back-to-back matches against Aston Villa and Southampton respectively.
West Ham United (H)
Date: 04/01/2023
KO time: 19:45
Premier League form: LLLWL
League Position: 16th
Star player: Declan Rice
Season so far: D
Following consecutive top-seven finishes, West Ham United's underwhelming campaign has frustrated supporters more than it, potentially, may have done a couple of years ago.
After reaching the Europa League semi-finals last season, David Moyes embarked on a summer of upheaval that saw club stalwart Mark Noble retire and eight permanent signings arrive at the London Stadium.
Although, big-money additions Lucas Paqueta, Gianluca Scamacca and Nayef Aguerd have failed to make the desired impact as of yet, leaving the likes of Declan Rice trying to inspire a somewhat ordinary-looking outfit on occasions.
The Irons suffered defeat in their previous two home games against Leicester City and Crystal Palace but have also had to contend with trips to Manchester United and Liverpool in addition to European fixtures.
Aston Villa (A)
Date: 13/01/2023
KO time: 20:00
Premier League form: WWLWL
League Position: 12th
Star player: Emiliano Martinez
Season so far: C
The general consensus around Aston Villa has been transformed within the space of a month. To the satisfaction of supporters, Steven Gerrard was sacked following a string of miserable performances and replaced by the eye-catching appointment of Unai Emery.
Hiring the four-time Europa League winner has been hailed as a shrewd move by fans and media alike, with Emery experiencing major success with Spanish clubs that can be likened in stature to that of Villa.
Despite failing to win over fans at Villa Park, Gerrard has left the Spaniard with a significant core of players that are capable of performing at high levels. A strong spine runs through the team from Emiliano Martinez in goal to Danny Ings up top. The likes of Aaron Ramsey, Phillipe Coutinho and Emi Buendia add an essence of quality to the squad.
Emery appears to have made an instant impact in the West Midlands, too. His first game in charge was an impressive 3-1 win over Manchester United before he oversaw a 2-1 win against Brighton a the AMEX Stadium. Villa now sit just four points off sixth place.
Brentford (H)
Date: 22/01/2023
KO time: 14:00
Premier League form: WDDLD
League Position: 10th
Star player: Ivan Toney
Season so far: B
Having been promoted to the Premier League for the first time in their history last year, it is easy to underestimate how impressive Brentford's top-flight emergence has proven to be.
Despite their maximum outlay on one player being just £13.5 million, Thomas Frank's side eased to safety during the 2021/2022 campaign and firmly established themselves as a Premier League club by finishing 11 points clear of safety.
Ivan Toney's goals have been pivotal to Brentford's continued growth. Following a 10-goal debut season in the Premier League, the former Peterborough United star has already netted 10 goals in 14 appearances this time around. They are far from a one-man team, however, with a resolute defence and creative individuals playing a major part.
The Bees enter the World Cup break off the back of what has to be deemed as their best-ever Premier League result. Toney stole the headlines away from fellow striker Erling Haaland with a brace at the Etihad Stadium to secure a memorable 2-1 triumph over Manchester City.
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