Leeds United will not only be looking to survive in the Premier League next season, but looking to break a growing trend that is striking fear into the hearts of Elland Road supporters.
As every Leeds fan will know, that for the past two Premier League seasons, all promoted teams have gone down. Last season, Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton failed to put up any kind of fight.
For Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland, the challenge is now to remain in the Premier League. Alan Shearer feels that trend will break this season, while Jeff Stelling has backed Leeds in their bid for survival.
There is a feeling that some mid-table clubs could find themselves in a relegation scrap. Brentford have lost Thomas Frank and sold Bryan Mbuemo, and Wolves have lost star player Matheus Cunha recently.
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty ImagesJamie Carragher identifies what Leeds need to do to stay up
Leeds have spent £80m and are expected to possibly double that figure this summer, with Beren Cross saying Leeds still want to sign a striker, a winger, a no.10 and a replacement for Isaac Schmidt in defence.
Speaking on The Overlap, Jamie Carragher says last season felt like a 17-team in the Premier League. The Liverpool legend thinks clubs looking to avoid relegation have got to give it a real go in order to survive.
“The last couple of years in the Premier League, the teams that have come up have found it really tough. It’s almost felt like to me, a 17-team Premier League. It’s really important they make a good go of it.”
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Which games can Leeds win in their first 10 matches…
Of course, it is possible that Leeds can pick up 30 points but that is obviously not realistic. Leeds play 10 Premier League games from August 18 to November 1, facing Arsenal, Newcastle and Tottenham.
Leeds begin their season with a home clash against Everton and it hands Daniel Farke a good chance to get off to a perfect start, under the lights at Elland Road. There are other winnable games for Leeds.
Obviously, games against Arsenal and Newcastle will be tough, as will Tottenham. Brighton away will also be difficult, but there are games that Leeds will feel they can win. Everton, Burnley, West Ham at home.
The predictions above are merely plucked out of thin air, but Leeds will certainly identify games against Everton, Burnley and West Ham as winnable in their first 10 outings. If they can win 13 points, it is solid.