Mark Lawrenson predicts Leeds vs Aston Villa result
Mark Lawrenson doesn’t expect Leeds to gain any momentum until Patrick Bamford returns from injury and expects them to lose to Aston Villa.
The Whites found a bit of form prior to the international break with wins over Burnley and West Ham, before defeat to Newcastle.
But with Patrick Bamford still out injured and no new signings made in the January transfer window, BBC Sport pundit Lawrenson believes they are looking over their shoulder at the drop and has predicted them to suffer a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Steven Gerrard’s side on Wednesday.
“Leeds are still missing Patrick Bamford and I don’t think they will really get going until he returns, hopefully by the end of this month,” he said.
“Aston Villa, in contrast, are flying at the moment. Even when they’ve lost under Steven Gerrard, they have played well and they are looking up the table while Leeds are still glancing over their shoulder.”
Rough run
Leeds are currently sitting in 15th place in the Premier League, seven points above the relegation zone.
But with their form so poor and the teams immediately around them all strengthening during the transfer window, there is a very real chance that they get dragged into the race in the near future.
Bielsa’s squad is strong enough to survive, they showed that last season, but injuries and illness has decimated their squad this season and they’ve failed to get momentum.
They will definitely be looking over their shoulder, but they also need to be facing forward and attacking their issues on the pitch. They need goals, they need points and they need a positive attitude.
Whether that’s with or without Bamford, it needs to start as soon as possible and that means giving Gerrard’s side a tough game.
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