Mark Lawrenson predicts result of Premier League clash between Leeds United v Brighton
Mark Lawrenson believes Leeds are “different” under Javi Gracia when predicting the result of their Premier League clash with Brighton (11 March).
The Whites currently sit outside of the relegation zone on goal difference alone, and face an in-form Brighton side at Elland Road on Saturday having picked up just one win since Gracia was appointed as manager to replace Jesse Marsch.
Lawrenson wasn’t impressed by Leeds’ performance against Chelsea last time out at Stamford Bridge, but despite the differing form between the two sides he told Paddy Power (9 March) that he is expecting a draw.
“Brighton are running amok at the moment, they had such a good result thumping West Ham 4-0,” he said.
“Leeds got beat by Chelsea and I think the only shot at goal was from the goalkeeper! That’s not a good stat.
“You just sense under Javi Gracia that they’re a little bit different now. Leeds 1 Brighton 1.”
Result
Leeds’ performances since Javi Gracia has come into the club have definitely been different to what we became used to under Marcelo Bielsa and Jesse Marsch.
But different is only better if it changes results, and so far that hasn’t been the case. That must change this weekend against Brighton, despite their excellent form in recent weeks and months.
Games at Elland Road are going to be absolutely crucial to getting safety in the Premier League and avoiding relegation, so despite the opposition we have to use the amazing crowd and the high-energy atmosphere to our advantage.
We have enough quality in our squad to cause teams a lot of problems on the pitch, and now we have to turn those performances into results.
A draw would be a decent result considering, but really we need to win to build momentum and try to separate ourselves from the pack at the bottom of the table. That starts on Saturday at Elland Road.
In other Leeds news, the Whites are ready to pounce on this 21-goal striker under one condition this summer.
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