Sky Sports pundit drops ‘ominous’ verdict ahead of Leeds United v Swansea
Leeds United are aiming to come back strong when they host Swansea City having endured a few dips prior to the international break.
Daniel Farke‘s side have won just once in their past four Championship matches, losing to Portsmouth, and drawing with West Brom and QPR in that run.
Swansea have just one win in their past 17 trips to Elland Road so the expectation will be on Leeds to pick three crucial Championship points.
With Leeds only top of the table from Sheffield United on goal difference, Saturday’s (29 March) contest is shaping up as an important one to find some much-needed momentum for the run-in.
David Prutton drops Leeds prediction for game v Swansea
Former Leeds midfielder David Prutton, now a prominent Sky Sports pundit and EFL expert, is confident that Leeds can rediscover the winning touch at home to Swansea.
Prutton pointed to a strong home record, whereby Leeds have only lost once at home in the Championship this season, as an indicator that Farke’s men will have too much for a Swansea side who sit 16th in the table.
Speaking on the Essential EFL podcast (27 March), Prutton said: “I think the fact that Leeds are at home, given the fact we know how well they play at home, should be ominous for Swansea.”
| Leeds United next four fixtures | Home or away |
| Swansea City | Home |
| Luton Town | Away |
| Middlesbrough | Away |
| Preston | Home |
He also brought attention to the coaching skills of interim Swansea boss Alan Sheehan, a former team-mate of Prutton’s who he dubbed a “lovely fella”.
Nonetheless, despite Sheehan’s tactical acumen, he pointed out that the challenges are significant when facing a Leeds side who have been consistently strong at home.
However, the Sky Sports pundit also issued a warning to Farke and Co. after their first-half scare at Loftus Road before the international break where they were 2-0 down before fighting back for a point.
He added: “That 2-0 lead that QPR managed to let slip should be a real warning sign because of how straightforward it was to score against them at Loftus Road.”
For Prutton, maintaining focus and composure will be key for Leeds, and he believes this game provides a prime opportunity for them to strengthen their position in the top two of the league.
“A game such as this needs to be put to bed… They’ve been very, very good at home,” he said, underlining the necessity for Leeds to capitalise on this encounter.
As for the final scoreline, Prutton is optimistic, predicting a 3-1 victory for the hosts.
Farke can’t afford further slip-ups
Leeds’ inconsistent results in recent games have allowed Sheffield United to join them at the top of the Championship table, with the Whites leading only on goal difference.
Burnley are also within touching distance as they sit just two points behind the top two.
Leeds boss Farke cannot afford to drop any more points in the final eight games of the season if he wants to ensure automatic promotion with the Yorkshire-based club.
Having come so close last season to fall in the play-off final to Southampton, everyone at the club is absolutely desperate to avoid a similar fate this time around.
For Farke it feels particularly crucial. Leeds have been extremely strong in the top flight this term but if they fail to achieve their goals you can’t help but feel the powers that be might look for a new direction to get the team over the line.
There is still plenty of time, and plenty of quality, to ensure that Doomsday scenario doesn’t come to fruition but three points this weekend would certainly alleviate some growing fears.