Leeds United v Oxford prediction made by Sky Sports host in ‘huge’ admission
David Prutton believes the Leeds United Championship clash against Oxford United on Saturday will be a “huge task” for the U’s to overcome.
The Sky Sports pundit has backed the Whites to get back to winning ways at Elland Road on 21 December after they drew with Preston 1-1 last time out.
There are 18 places separating the teams with Leeds the clear favourites heading into the game.
If other results go Leeds’ way over the weekend, Daniel Farke’s men could once again find themselves at the top of the table which, in Prutton’s eyes, is a likely outcome as he has backed the West Yorkshire outfit to triumph 2-0 over Oxford, who sacked their manager Des Buckingham this week.
“Leeds United versus Oxford United, Oxford have failed to win any of their three prior away games against Leeds with their last trip to Elland Road ending in a 3-2 defeat,” Simeon Gholam said on the Essential EFL Podcast (19 December).
To which Prutton replied: “[It’s a] huge task for Oxford, [it’ll be] Leeds 2 Oxford 0.”
Leeds United hoping to return to winning ways against Oxford United
Leeds have had an issue on the road in the league for some time and they have dropped points in their last two away games in the Championship to emphasise the struggles they have endured away from Elland Road.
But on their own turf, Leeds have been absolutely brilliant and you would expect them to dominate the game against a struggling Oxford and head into Christmas with an early gift of three points in their battle for promotion.
The Whites were let off against Preston last weekend because, if Jack Whatmough didn’t put the ball into the back of his own net, there would be four points separating them from the league leaders.
Of course, four points is a more than doable number to make up but the fact they’re only one victory away from regaining the top spot will no doubt provide the players with some extra motivation, especially if they want to come away with the title at the end of the season.
On paper, Saturday’s game on 21 December should be a walk in the park for Leeds, especially since Oxford are currently managerless but, as with everything in football, things can change in an instant.
In other Leeds news, Patrick Bamford looks set to exit Elland Road in 2025.
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