Leeds United fans will feel a sense of relief when checking the Premier League table on Monday after four points in two games against Chelsea and Liverpool – but what are their chances of survival, now?
Daniel Farke’s position as manager at Elland Road was in massive doubt this time last week, after Leeds had come close but suffered another defeat against Man City. Chelsea and Liverpool were up next.
Leeds United find themselves right in the thick of it…
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Two more defeats last week would surely have seen Farke sacked, with Paraag Marathe attending the clash against Chelsea at Elland Road. But to Farke’s credit, he masterminded a 3-1 win over Chelsea.
Then, on Saturday, he watched his Leeds side secure a late 3-3 draw against Liverpool. An incredible few days for Leeds, which Gary Neville believes has ripped up any 49ers plans to sack the Leeds manager.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesWhat chance do Leeds have of survival? Opta’s prediction…
The four points from two games has seen Leeds climb into 16th. Brighton’s late equaliser through a certain Georginio Rutter has meant West Ham sit two points behind Leeds in 18th place at the moment.
And yet, Leeds are still third-likeliest to be relegated according to Opta. They say that there is a 41.67% chance Leeds will be relegated at the end of the season, the third-highest percentage in the division.
Wolves are above 98%, while Burnley are above 80% after 10 points from 15 games. As things stand, West Ham are just below 39% and Nottingham Forest are the fifth-most likely side to go down, on 21.4%.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Daniel Farke relieved after Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool results 🎂🍺☕
Coffee and cake for the Leeds gaffer!
“To be honest, I’m happy that this weekend is over and I can have some coffee and cake on the sofa. Maybe even a beer, or a pint.”
Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Leeds United’s next three matches are absolutely pivotal
Much is made of the busy Christmas period, but actually, Leeds only have three more games to play before the turn of the year. First up, is a trip to west London to take on Brentford on Saturday afternoon.
Then, Leeds host Crystal Palace before going to Wearside on December 28th to face newly-promoted Sunderland. A Sunderland side that will be missing a handful of players due to the African Cup of Nations.
Leeds will see all three as winnable games. Brentford have lost four out of their last six and suffered two defeats in a row, but they were against Tottenham and Arsenal. Leeds’ away form has been diabolical.
But there is renewed hope and Leeds fans would love to get one over Keith Andrews. Then, the Elland Road factor will be key against Crystal Palace, before taking on a Sunderland without many key players.
If Leeds can come out of that run of fixtures and improve their current point-to-game ratio, which stands at 15 from 15, it will be a success. Four or more points from the next three will go down well with fans.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox