Saikat Mandal

Sat 23 April 2022 6:00, UK

Leeds United will be looking to maintain their unbeaten run to five games in the Premier League when they face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday.

The Whites are heading into this match on the back of a 3-0 win against Watford, and Sky Sports expert, Lewis Jones has backed them to maintain their winning run, predicting a 2-1 win.

Jones is particularly impressed with Brazilian winger Raphinha who has rediscovered his mojo under the new Whites boss.

“The first goal in their games is absolutely crucial to the outcome. Vieira’s team are unbeaten in 14 Premier League games when scoring first this season (W8 D6) as they rarely sit on leads,” wrote Jones for Sky Sports.

“However, they haven’t won in 14 Premier League games when conceding first (D4 L9) – one of two Premier League teams without a win.

“Leeds arrive having won three of their last four matches, and Jesse Marsch looks to have lit a fire under Raphinha, whose form has rocketed in recent weeks.”

Danger not over

Leeds find themselves 16th in the league table, five points ahead of Burnley with six games left to play.

Expecting Everton to lose against Liverpool at Anfield, the Whites won’t be close to the relegation zone at the end of this week even if they lose, but a win here could be huge for them.

Raphinha saw a dip in form in recent months under Marcelo Bielsa, but he is now a player rejuvenated under Marsch.

The 25-year-old attacking midfielder has scored 10 goals in the Premier League this season. He has also managed three assists.

Palace are a well-drilled side under Patrick Vieira and it won’t be easy to break them down, but Leeds will be in full confidence after their recent results.

Unfortunately, Adam Forshaw won’t be playing any part for the rest of the season after he picked up a knee injury, but Patrick Bamford is on course to return to action before the end of the season.

In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has dropped early hints on the likely lineup for the trip to Selhurst Park.