David Prutton issues score prediction for Leeds relegation-decider clash v Charlton
David Prutton has predicted that Leeds United will have too much for Charlton Athletic when they face each other on Wednesday night.
The Whites go into the final game of the season knowing that they are already promoted as champions, but their opponents still have everything to play for with their Championship status hanging in the balance.
The Addicks are currently 21st in the table, level on points with Luton Town, and just two points ahead of Barnsley.
But even knowing that they can relax, Leeds put in a stall display against Derby County on Sunday afternoon, running out 3-1 winners with a relatively weakened side.
And Prutton expects a similarly accomplished performance when the two teams clash in midweek.
Writing in a column for Sky Sports, he said: “Of all the times to head to Leeds and Elland Road, this is probably the best.
“However, we saw on Sunday that Marcelo Bielsa’s side are pretty motivated, and they will want to end the season on a high.
“Even with nothing to play for, I think they will be too good for the Addicks.”
Prutton forecasts a 2-0 win for Leeds.
You have to feel for Charlton a little.
The last club you would want to be playing in a match that could guarantee your survival are a Leeds side who have looked irresistible in recent outings.
Even against Derby, with a weakened team and you would presume something of a hangover following the weekend’s festivities, the Whites looked completely comfortable, and the Addicks must be quaking in their boots.
There is clearly a lot of respect between Lee Bowyer and the club he used to play for around the turn of the millennium, so much so that he reportedly rang Leeds earlier this week to ask what sort of wine Marcelo Bielsa drinks to buy him a congratulatory present after sealing promotion.
But for all of the amicableness away from the pitch, there is likely to be much in the way of pleasantness when it comes to the game itself.
We agree with Prutton, Charlton should be very afraid.
In other Leeds United news, ‘Leeds are done’ – Lee Bowyer delivers verdict on Elland Road clash, Addicks fighting for lives