Mark Lawrenson predicts Leeds United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Leeds United are eyeing their second Premier League win of the campaign ahead of their clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side have been very disappointing so far in 2021-22, and failure to get a win against Wolves would get the fans more worried.
With Patrick Bamford still out and Kalvin Phillips a doubt for the clash, Mark Lawrenson does not see Leeds winning, predicting a 1-1 draw in his BBC column.
He said: “Wolves are on a roll, with four wins in their past five games, and they are scoring some goals now too.
“Meanwhile, Leeds lost again last week, at Southampton. They were without Kalvin Phillips, Raphinha and Patrick Bamford at St Mary’s and Raphinha might be the only one of that trio who plays here.
“This is a tricky time for Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa but I think they will find some form soon – it might not happen until Phillips and Bamford are back though.”
Tricky indeed
Many pundits predicted Leeds to struggle in their second season back in the top-flight, which is exactly what is happening.
However, not many saw their injury woes coming, and it does not seem they can catch a break.
With Bamford out, scoring has become difficult for the Whites.
Rodrigo is unable to make the runs and play with his back to goal the way the England international does.
While Raphinha is expected to start on Saturday, Leeds could find it hard to break down the Wolves defence.
On the other hand, Adama Traore will be licking his lips at the prospects of running at a defence that have leaked 15 league goals so far, and the Elland Road outfit could be in for a long afternoon.
Things have not clicked for Leeds so far, but just maybe they will find their form against the Midlands side in front of their ever boisterous home fans.
A victory for them would be a massive boost, and Bielsa will be relieved if it happens.
In other Leeds United news, a talkSPORT host has blasted a Whites ace in an on-air rant, insisting he is not Premier League standard.