‘May just be too much’: Sky pundit predicts score in Leeds clash v Cardiff & Fulham/W Brom games
Sky Sports pundit David Prutton has predicted the latest raft of Championship fixtures, with Leeds, West Brom and Fulham the only three teams realistically playing for the two automatic spots.
All games look set to go ahead this weekend despite the growing threat of Coronavirus.
Leeds are currently top of the league, one point ahead of West Brom and seven points ahead of Fulham in third.
First up on Friday evening is Scott Parker’s Fulham who face a tricky tie against Brentford at Craven Cottage.
Prutton has said this is a “must-win” game for Fulham but he doesn’t think they’re going to manage it.
Writing in his column on Sky Sports Prutton said, “I feel like I’ve said this a few times lately, but this is close to a must-win game for Fulham if they want to catch the top two.
“By Saturday lunchtime they could be nine or three points off West Brom – and nine points may just be too much with eight games to go.”
Prutton said “There should be goals” and thinks this one will end 2-2, which would be a fantastic result for Leeds. It means by Saturday morning, Leeds would still have a six-point buffer back to third.
Fast forward to Saturday lunchtime and it’s the Baggies who host Birmingham at The Hawthorns.
Prutton thinks that West Brom will edge a close game, predicting a 2-1 win for Slaven Bilic’s men.
Leeds don’t play until Sunday when they travel to the Cardiff City Stadium.
Prutton said, “Cardiff are still within reach of the play-offs under Neil Harris, and a win over Leeds would provide them a huge boost.
“It’s five wins on the spin for Leeds, now. That win over Huddersfield was very important for them last week, and they look to be bursting with confidence again. Draw here for me.”
If Prutton has got all three games right, it means that it’s as you were for the gap back to third place for Leeds.
They would lose their place at the top to West Brom, who would move eight clear of Fulham.
Winning the Championship would be a bonus for Leeds but finishing in the top two is the aim.
A seven-point buffer going into the game against Fulham next Wednesday would be okay but a defeat there would start making it a bit sweaty again.
Hopefully, Fulham drop points and Leeds make it six wins in a row.
Prutton is right, Leeds should be absolutely full of confidence at the moment and haven’t conceded for 515 minutes of football.
Another clean sheet would be a huge step towards promotion. If Fulham drop points and Leeds win, we’d have to think we’re almost there.
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