Jeff Stelling predicts Leeds United vs Crystal Palace result for Sky Sports
Jeff Stelling has predicted Leeds United to continue their revival under Javi Gracia with a second relegation six-pointer victory in a week vs Crystal Palace.
The Whites came from behind to record a crucial 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest on Tuesday (4 April), and will now welcome Roy Hodgson and his Eagles side to Elland Road on Sunday (9 April).
The previous result lifted the club to 13th in the table, albeit still just two points from the bottom three, but Stelling believes it will be another three points at the weekend to elevate Leeds United to the head of the nine-team battle against the drop.
In his Super6 predictions for Sky Sports the long-time host went for a 2-0 scoreline in favour of the home side.
On the move
After the manner of the win over Forest there has to be significant confidence heading into this one, but Palace are a step up still as the only side engaged in the relegation battle currently above Leeds.
Hodgson’s surprise return immediately paid dividends with a win over Leicester on Saturday (1 April) so this is likely to be more of a test than it would have been had Patrick Vieira’s rapidly sinking side made the trip to West Yorkshire.
The Frenchman was perhaps unfortunate to lose his job having gone through a rough run of fixtures, but Palace have followed in the footsteps of the Whites by appointing a new boss and immediately gaining a win over a rival at the bottom of the table.
Gracia confirmed on Thursday (6 April) that he won’t have any extra players back from injury and it will be the same squad that was available for Forest.
That means that key defender Max Wober remains out, but Willy Gnonto, who was fit for the bench but stayed there on Tuesday is again in contention.
If Jack Harrison can continue his excellent form with his new contract sorted and the midfield of Marc Roca and Weston McKennie can again thrive in the absence of Tyler Adams then the Whites will surely back themselves to fulfil Stelling’s prediction.
In other Leeds United news, another player may now be set for surgery after injuries continue.
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