Sky Sports expert predicts Leeds clash against Crystal Palace
Lewis Jones has predicted a 2-1 defeat for Leeds United when they take on Crystal Palace at Elland Road on Tuesday night.
The Sky Sports expert believes the Eagles have what it takes to edge out the struggling Whites in front of their fans due to the hosts’ lack of sharpness at both ends of the pitch.
Leeds have scored just 12 goals in 13 league games this term, shipping 20, and they will need to do better if they want to secure their third win of the campaign at Palace’s expense.
Jones wrote in his column: “Patrick Vieira’s team’s process in terms of expected goals for and against has them as the seventh best team in the division.
“Leeds – mostly due to their woeful defensive numbers – are trending just above the relegation zone. That is the actual case too with only three points separating them from the drop zone.
“Marcelo Bielsa is still getting a tune out of his troops in terms of their physicality, which is a very positive sign. Although Leeds’ distance covered per game has dipped slightly, they are still amongst the league’s better running sides. As for sprints, they are fractionally ahead this season compared to last.
“What worries me about this game, is their quality in both boxes, especially at the back – a common theme for Bielsa’s teams. Only Leicester and Newcastle have faced more shots on goal than Leeds this season (200).”
Tough game
The Elland Road crowd will be backing their team against Vieira’s men, and that could play a huge role in spurring them on to a much-needed victory.
Leeds will need to be very clinical in front of goal if they want to turn their fortunes around anytime soon this season, and they also need to really improve at the back.
Both need to happen against Tuesday’s visitors as they have players capable of hurting Leeds in both boxes.
Palace have scored seven more goals than Bielsa’s side, but they have conceded just one less than them.
It is an open game that either side could win, and the Yorkshire side badly need all three points right now.
Another defeat will put them closer to the relegation zone, and they need to arrest their slide ahead of the tough run of games for the rest of the year.
Leeds have what it takes to halt their woeful run, and a victory against Palace will be the best way to start.
Whether they can do so without Patrick Bamford, Luke Ayling and Robin Koch remains to be seen.
In other Leeds United news, a major update on Whites January bid to sign attacker has been provided, with pen-to-paper imminent.