Leeds United can silence Gabby Agbonlahor after what he said about Sunderland
Gabby Agbonlahor may have given Leeds United the perfect motivation to prove him wrong against Sunderland in the Championship.
The Whites face a big showdown on Monday evening as they welcome the Mackems to Elland Road.
Leeds can return to the top of the Championship table with a draw, but against the side sitting fourth, it will not be an easy task.
Gabby Agbonlahor wants Sunderland to beat Leeds United
Although Daniel Farke’s side has been in excellent form throughout the season so far, it is tight at the top of the Championship table meaning no one can get comfortable just yet.
If the Whites win against Sunderland, they will be on 72 points at the top of the table, with Sheffield United behind on 70 points and Burnley on 65.
Agbonlahor is not holding back already, admitting he wants an away win at Elland Road.
Speaking live on talkSPORT (17 February, 9:54am) Jeff Stelling thinks Sunderland have to win against Leeds otherwise they are out of the automatic promotion race.
While Agbonlahor agreed this was the case, he went further, saying: “Oh 100 per cent. It’d be 10 points if Leeds beat Sunderland tonight, they’d be behind Leeds.
“I just want Sunderland to come up Jeff. I just feel like I watched that Sunderland documentary a few years ago and the struggles that they’ve had, going down to League One and coming up again.
“Sunderland’s a team we’re looking out for in the Championship. Get them back to the Premier League. Such a big fan base and I’m sure Newcastle fans would want them back up. Got those Derby games going, adds a lot to the area as well so hopefully Sunderland win tonight.”
Leeds United can silence Gabby Agbonlahor v Sunderland
Agbonlahor is allowed to have his opinion and if he wants to see Sunderland come out on top, that is fair enough. However, Leeds supporters will surely feel a bit aggrieved by the reasoning given.
Although the Black Cats have been down to League One in more recent times, it’s not like the West Yorkshire outfit haven’t had to experience life down at the bottom either, having worked their way up before.
In addition to this, the pundit discusses Sunderland’s fan base as though the Whites don’t also have an excellent following for a second-tier side.
While a win on Monday wouldn’t guarantee Leeds automatic promotion yet, it could reduce the number of competitors they have to face between now and the end of the campaign which is exactly what champions do, beat those around them.
A defeat against the Mackems certainly wouldn’t be the end of the world but with a game against Sheffield United a week away, Farke will be eager for his side to go into that one with momentum.
Who Agbonlahor wants to win is up to him but Leeds certainly need to show tonight they are champions-in-the-making with a Premier League return ready.