BBC pundit sends Leeds United message v Liverpool, predicts potential win
Nedum Onuoha and Jill Scott spoke on Match of the Day 2 on the importance of belief for the clubs battling to avoid Premier League relegation, including Leeds United.
Just as Javi Gracia’s side had a major setback last week, Everton faltered at the weekend against Fulham whilst the bottom three – Nottingham Forest, Leicester City and Southampton – all continue to falter.
The Whites are preparing to host Liverpool, hoping for a repeat scoreline from last October when a 1-2 victory went their way, thanks to goals from Rodrigo Moreno and Crysencio Summerville.
The pundits were discussing if belief was the biggest factor required in order to beat the drop with Onuoha relishing the encounter ahead on Monday evening.
“Every game feels massive and for them, the fact that they are playing Liverpool at home is key,” he said.
“And believe it or not, if they win there, they will have done the double over Liverpool.
“I think the crowd is definitely going to make it as hard as possible for Liverpool, and if Leeds can match the energy from the crowd, it could be a game changer, maybe sway it their way.”
Time to deliver
Elland Road under the lights with Liverpool as the opposition.
The famous old ground will be rocking tonight with the fans set to push the team to give their all. They need to respond to that energy, as well as making amends for the disaster that was the second half against Crystal Palace last week.
A change or two will be required from Gracia, as well as in the tactical setup, but this is a game that Leeds can take something from.
As discussed above, there must be belief. That has to be matched with intensity and purpose but not too much, too soon, or the outcome will be inevitable.
A win would see some breathing space in terms of a three-point gap over the danger zone as well as leapfrogging West Ham into 15th place, whilst a draw would at least increase the advantage over Everton.
After the visit of Jurgen Klopp’s men, three home games remain but every point matters.
In other Leeds United news, MOT View: Strange Javi Gracia decision on exit-linked Leeds star hurting PL survival chances