Eight points on the board after seven tough Premier League games, and Leeds United are currently getting the job done when it comes to avoiding relegation to the Championship.
Much has been made of the point-a-game average that is required to survive in the Premier League, and Leeds currently fall on the right side of it. That is despite an incredibly tough run of fixtures to begin with.
Of the seven games played so far, Leeds have had to face three Champions League sides in Tottenham, Arsenal, and Newcastle. Bournemouth are sitting fourth, while also facing Everton, Wolves, and Fulham.
Two of which were away. Leeds caught Everton at a good time and stunned Wolves away from home, who have since improved under Vitor Pereira. So, what chances do Leeds have of surviving relegation?
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty ImagesDanny Murphy instantly changes mind, backs Leeds to stay up
Of the last 15 sides to be relegated from the last five seasons, only one team has more points than Leeds currently has. Ironically, that was Jesse Marsch’s Leeds back in 2022-23, boasting 11 points from seven.
That is a good sign that, as things stand, Leeds are well-placed to go and achieve safety, especially with two massive games coming after the international break against Burnley away and West Ham at home.
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Speaking on TalkSPORT (11.38am, 08/10) this morning, Danny Murphy was asked to predict the three teams that will be relegated. He initially picked Leeds, before predicting Brentford would also go down.
“Off the top of my head, I would go Burnley, Wolves, and Leeds. Sorry, Leeds, I hope I am wrong. I might swap Leeds, actually, I think Brentford might slip below Leeds,” Murphy said, backing Leeds to stay up.
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What do Leeds need to change to ensure survival this season?
Two major elements need to swing in Leeds’ favour. The defence is performing well, the midfield picks itself, and say what you want about Brenden Aaronson, he is making Leeds more solid on the right.
The first thing is that Dominic Calvert-Lewin needs to start converting chances. In all competitions, Calvert-Lewin has an XG of 2.78, and the striker will believe he should have three or four goals already.
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But he has just the one, his header at Wolves. The 11-time England man has missed big chances against Bournemouth, Tottenham, Sheffield Wednesday, and even the one against Newcastle, after coming on.
The other is seeing games out. Leeds have conceded two injury-time goals to Bournemouth and Fulham. That has cost Leeds three points. If Leeds are to survive, the intensity must remain until the final whistle.