'Leeds must seize the opportunity this January to make vital improvements'

This January transfer window could be the most pivotal in the tenure of 49ers Enterprises. Leeds sit top, but only three points separate first and fourth, and there are areas where United could improve.

Despite conceding the third fewest goals in the Championship, Illan Meslier continues to frustrate. Meslier is underperforming on his expected saves (post-shot expected goals minus goals allowed.) He is 15th in the league for this metric and errors have cost valuable points.

Leeds' three rivals for promotion have goalkeepers who have saved their team expected goals – Sunderland (2.5), Sheffield United (5.0) and Burnley (6.7). Expected to concede 20.8 goals, Burnley have conceded just nine. Leeds have stuck with Meslier in recent seasons, but it feels like it is time to try someone else.

The loss of Georginio Rutter's creativity was a blow last summer. Leeds have scored the most goals in the league, but in games where the Whites are struggling to break teams down, Daniel Farke's tactic of replacing seemingly every midfielder and defender with attackers has had mixed results.

The addition of a creative number 10 would provide Farke with a different option when trying to unlock stubborn defences.

Issues with depth at full-back and centre-back might have to wait until the summer, but a few injuries in those key positions and United would be forced into playing youth players like 19-year-old James Debayo.

Finally, Leeds need a set-piece coach. With Joe Rothwell on corners the delivery has improved incrementally. But United still look bamboozled at times when attacking and defending set-pieces. The Whites have the most corners per match, and concede the fewest – they have to find a way to capitalise on this.

Find more from Adonis Storr at The Roaring Peacock.