David Prutton: It is ‘good time’ for Leeds to play out of form Crystal Palace
David Prutton has indicated that in-form Leeds United could be in the driving seat ahead of tonight’s clash with Crystal Palace.
The sides are in contrasting form with Leeds unbeaten in four, whilst Palace have lost their last three.
The Sky Sports pundit admits that whilst it won’t be straightforward, it could be the ideal time for Jesse Marsch’s side to take on The Eagles.
Writing in his latest Yorkshire Evening Post column, he wrote: “Leeds are now unbeaten in four and they are coming up against a side following a mixture of Premier League and FA Cup defeats.
“On paper, you would think that this is a good time to play them but, in reality, there probably is no such thing as I have been impressed with what Palace have done this season under Patrick Vieira.
“The game is ideal from Leeds’ point of view, given their form, and I will be interested to see what the last couple of weeks has garnered from being on the training pitch with Jesse Marsch.”
Despite Palace losing three on the bounce though, Prutton is still wary of the threats Patrick Vieira’s side possesses and warns that if Leeds are to take anything from Selhurst Park, they will need to work hard for it.
“On paper, if you wanted two contrasting runs to go into a game then perfect but, in reality for Leeds, it only matters if they come away with all three points.”
Must win.
Leeds won the previous meeting between the sides this season as Raphinha netted a dramatic 93rd-minute penalty to seal a 1-0 victory at Elland Road.
A win at Selhurst Park tonight would see Marsch’s men create a seven-point gap to 18th placed Everton who lost at Liverpool yesterday.
The American is looking to make it five unbeaten in the Premier League and boost his side’s chances of survival.
Two of their last three victories have come on the road which bodes well for their visit to London tonight, with free-scoring Leeds netting three goals in both matches.
However, a defeat could see Leeds dragged back into a relegation battle despite recent results with Burnley picking up two wins on the bounce.
Marsch could welcome star man Kalvin Phillips back to the side tonight. The England international is in line to make his first start for Leeds since early December.
In other Leeds United news, Andrea Radrizzani has broken his silence on Twitter sharing when he will leave the club