Jonty Banks

Thu 13 April 2023 17:10, UK

Chris Sutton has predicted Leeds United will share the spoils with Liverpool in their Premier League clash at Elland Road on Monday night (17 April).

The Whites arrive into the crunch clash on the back of their embarrassing 5-1 defeat to Crystal Palace, which saw Javi Gracia’s side concede all five goals in 32 minutes of crazy second-half action.

Writing in his weekly column for BBC Sport, Sutton questioned whether Leeds could recover from their thrashing at Elland Road last weekend but predicted that the home faithful could roar them on to nick a point in a 1-1 draw.

Gracia’s side currently sit 16th in the Premier League and just two points clear of the relegation zone, but a win could see them climb as high as 13th position.

“This is just impossible to call,” Sutton said. “Which Leeds side will turn up, and for how long… and what kind of performance do we get from Liverpool this time?

“Leeds were actually really good in the first half against Crystal Palace last week but they completely collapsed after the break. Liverpool kind of did the opposite against Arsenal, making such a poor start before fighting back. I really don’t understand why it took the Xhaka incident to fire them up and get them playing with the right intensity.

“Jurgen Klopp’s side have struggled on the road this season, particularly against teams in the bottom half of the table but you have to consider what damage that heavy Palace defeat has done to Leeds’ confidence at Elland Road. They need to show they are not as fragile as they appear.

“Liverpool’s defence and midfield has been a long way below their best this season, but their attack has still been a handful – so surely Leeds won’t keep them out.

“Equally, you just don’t know what you are going to get from the Reds defensively at the moment – I don’t see them keeping a clean sheet either, even against a team who seem to waste a lot of chances.”

Bounce back needed

Confidence is likely to be shot in the Leeds United squad after the dismal collapse at Elland Road last weekend, and things don’t get any easier this week in facing Liverpool.

After taking an early lead and looking good value for their 1-0 advantage at half-time, Gracia’s side came crashing back down to earth in spectacular fashion.

The defending on show was shambolic at times, and restoring confidence in the back line will be the number one priority this week in training.

Klopp’s side were back to their rampant best as they claimed a deserved point against Arsenal last time out, and they will arrive into the game determined to get back to winning ways as their race for Europe intensifies.

However, away from Anfield, Liverpool’s defence has often looked extremely vulnerable, and the likes of Jack Harrison and Luis Sinisterra will be licking their lips at the prospect of facing up against Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Considering the congested nature of the Premier League table right now, even a point against the Reds could be crucial to the club’s survival hopes.

In other Leeds United news, Ian Wright cannot believe his eyes after footage surfaces of a Leeds player on social media.