Paul Merson predicts result of Leeds clash with Crystal Palace
Leeds United will go in search of their third Premier League win of the season when they host Crystal Palace on Tuesday, but Paul Merson does not see them getting it.
The Sky Sports pundit has predicted the clash between them and the Eagles to end in a 1-1 draw at Elland Road while writing in his Sportskeeda column on Monday.
Leeds have struggled with injuries this season, and while they will be using the same squad that drew 0-0 at Brighton on Saturday against Palace, they will fancy their chances of getting a win.
Merson said: “Leeds are just floating around at the moment. People keep telling me that they’re playing well, but they aren’t winning matches this season.
“This game also has an impact on the relegation zone – if Leeds win this game, Newcastle are suddenly further down in the pecking order.
“Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace juggernaut came to a grinding halt against Aston Villa. That was a poor result for Palace, but I think they will eventually bounce back in the Premier League.
“Crystal Palace are a better team than they were over the weekend, but Leeds could present a determined front.”
Tough game
Leeds have a tricky challenge on their hands against a Palace side that have impressed under Vieira so far this term.
The Eagles have only lost thrice this season, and they will be confident of leaving Elland Road will all three points on Tuesday.
A defeat will further heap more woes on the Whites, and it is a game they cannot afford to lose with relegation starting to breathe down their neck.
Marcelo Bielsa will still be without Patrick Bamford, Luke Ayling and Robin Koch for the game, but he still has enough quality in the squad to get the job done.
Palace have scored 19 and conceded 19 in 13 league games, and while they have been slightly better in attack than a Leeds side that have scored just 12 goals, their record at the back could play right into the Whites’ hands.
The hosts will create chances against the visitors’ defence, but whether they can convert them is the issue.
It will most likely be a tight contest, and a win will do Leeds a lot of good ahead of more challenging tests.
In other Leeds United news, a major update on Whites January bid to sign attacker has been provided, with pen-to-paper imminent.