Bristol City assistant boss Jamie McAllister believes that set-pieces may be the key to unlocking Leeds United ahead of his side's trip to Elland Road this weekend
The Whites welcome the Robins on Saturday for a crucial Championship face-off as both continue to chase promotion to the Premier League amid a crowded field.
Marcelo Bielsa and his men remain in the top two in what has become a tightly crowded field of contenders all fighting it out near the summit.
United's run in form has suffered in part due to their susceptibility at the back to set-pieces in recent weeks however, with Kiko Casilla looking wobbly on such occasions.
Speaking ahead of the weekend's encounter, McAllister opened up on how vital such plays are to Bristol's success, stressing that they are matchwinners more than anything else.
"They’re important in every game," he stated in his pre-match press conference. "You can see the other night against Derby, we had two counter-attacks in the last five minutes of the game that could’ve put the game to bed.
"So yeah, especially away from home we’re good at that. Counter-attacks and set plays are massive in any game."
Asked if he felt set-pieces would be the success to unlocking Leeds rather than from open play, McAllister concurred, adding: "Yeah I totally agree with that.
"They’re very good at after giving the ball away they frenzy to win it back. When we win the ball, we have to get that first pass to beat the frenzy, to beat their press and set up counters.
"You saw the other night, the goals were scored from set plays and it shows how important it is. Set plays are important in any game."
