By George Overhill

17th Mar, 2023 | 1:10pm

Mark Lawrenson predicts Leeds United vs Wolves result, shows short memory of Javi Gracia reign

Mark Lawrenson has predicted Leeds United will record a badly-needed win over relegation rivals Wolves at Molineux on Saturday.

There are a massive six places between the two sides heading into the weekend’s clash, with the Whites languishing in 19th and Julen Lopetegui’s men up in 13th, but such is the congested nature of the battle against the drop it is only a four-point gap.

Leeds United have also played a game fewer so the 1-0 victory that Lawrenson has predicted would make a huge difference, as he feels the 2-2 with Brighton last weekend (11 March) suggests some form is returning, while Wolves were beaten 2-1 at Newcastle a day later.

In his predictions column for Paddy Power Lawrenson said: “Both of these struggle to score, though Leeds did get two against Brighton so maybe they’re starting to come into form.

“I can’t remember the last time Leeds won a game so the law of averages says they must be due one! Wolves 0-1 Leeds.”

Forgotten

The last Whites victory was of course less than three weeks ago in Javi Gracia’s first game in charge on 25 February, where Junior Firpo’s winner secured a vital three points against Southampton.

Granted, the previous Premier League victory before that was all the way back on 5 of November but Lawro has apparently not being paying that much attention more recently.

There have been some encouraging signs since Gracia took over, and the two goals against Brighton helped shake off the growing shyness in front of goal.

Four points from a possible nine is an improvement on the form under Jesse Marsch but it is going to require more to get out of trouble, as any positive results for teams around them risks seeing the Whites go backwards without three points, as happened last weekend.

An appallingly-timed injury for Tyler Adams is obviously the last thing Gracia needed, but has opened the door for the likes of Darko Gyabi to finally get his big break in West Yorkshire.

Wolves are certainly improved since Lopetegui came in, having been comfortably the worst side in the league for a time earlier this season, but are still highly inconsistent.

If the Whites could ever marry up a strong performance from the defence and the attack in the same game they would be a good bet to trouble any side, and there is no better time than Saturday (18 March) to head into the international break on a high.

In other Leeds United news, a new permanent signing is set to agree a four-year deal imminently regardless of the relegation danger.

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