‘Leeds are not great…’ – Mark Lawrenson predicts Whites v Burnley
Mark Lawrenson thinks Leeds United will win when they take on Burnley this weekend despite tipping Marcelo Bielsa’s defensive issues to continue.
The BBC pundit does think that Leeds will beat Burnley 2-1 but he is concerned about the Whites’ ‘porous’ defence.
While doing his weekly predictions for BBC Sport, Lawrenson paid tribute to Illan Meslier but said the young keeper has a lot to learn.
He said, “Leeds are not great defensively in open play or at set-pieces, and their goalkeeper Illan Meslier makes some good saves but doesn’t command the area.
“Meslier is just a kid at 20. He looks like he has the makings of a really good keeper, but he isn’t one at the moment. He is still learning, and he is playing behind a porous back four.
“Leeds know their strength is going forward, though, and they are not going to change. I think they will win, but there is no way they are getting a clean sheet. 2-1”
Leeds will have to improve defensively after conceding six at Old Trafford last week and they will be wary of a Burnley side who escaped the relegation zone this week.
Sean Dyche’s side pulled off an impressive 2-1 win against Wolves on Monday night as the Clarets dominated in the air and made the most of their set-pieces.
This will be a major concern for Bielsa as his side have struggled to defend corners and free-kicks in recent weeks and this is an area where Burnley excel.
Dyche’s side know that if they have a go at Leeds then there is enough defensive weakness to force errors that could lead to goals.
In turn, this could allow Leeds to counter-attack and do what they do best, it should be an interesting tactical battle between Dyche and Bielsa.
A win for Leeds would be the perfect response after the hammering at Old Trafford last weekend and Whites fans will be expecting a win against Burnley.
In other Leeds United news, many Whites fans want the club to re-sign a former player after he sent fans a Christmas message.