Leeds United: ‘Inside information’ revealed from Thorp Arch ahead of showdown v Tottenham
Robbie Fowler has “inside information” from Thorp Arch that the Leeds United squad is in a positive mood ahead of their final-day showdown with Tottenham.
Leeds welcome Spurs to Elland Road on Sunday (28 May) in a make-or-break game that will see them relegated if they fail to win.
However, even if Leeds do win all three points, they could still be relegated from the Premier League if results at Everton and Leicester do not go their way.
Ex-Leeds striker Fowler has seen Sam Allardyce’s preparations in Yorkshire and he believes that Leeds could at least keep up their side of the bargain this weekend.
Writing in the Sunday Mirror (28 May, page 71), Fowler said: “Everton are the favourites to win the desperate scrap for safety at the foot of the Premier League, but, believe me, it’s no formality.
“I know, because I have inside information. I went down to the Leeds training ground last week to have a look at how Sam Allardyce and his coaching staff are handling the pressure of a must-win game with so much at stake.
“Honestly, I was impressed.
“I’ve spoken so often in this column about one of the main ingredients for success being the right environment – a good atmosphere and spirit within a squad – which has to come from the manager.
“You could see how relaxed Big Sam has got the squad, there was a warmth around the place and, given what Leeds are up against, the atmosphere was really good, surprisingly positive.”
Not enough
Let’s face it, being positive in training isn’t what’s going to win Leeds survival.
Having that kind of attitude is great but it only gets you so far.
If we do win against Spurs on Sunday – and that is a big if – there’s little to suggest that Everton and Leicester won’t pick up the results they need.
Leicester shouldn’t be anywhere near the relegation battle with the players they’ve got in their squad. Youri Tielemans, Harvey Barnes, James Maddison and Jamie Vardy. No way should they be there.
We expect them to beat a West Ham side that will no doubt be rotated ahead of the Europa Conference League final while the players who do play may well be on the beach already.
Everton’s clash with Bournemouth is an interesting one because while the Cherries have nothing to play for, they’ve been in good enough form to suggest they could get at least a point at Goodison Park, where the Toffees could crumble under pressure.
Our prediction is for Leicester to stay up, making Leeds’ result irrelevant.
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