Leeds United’s secret weapon to avoid relegation comes clear after Premier League reveal
Leeds may have one thing to thank in particular if they are to stay in the Premier League.
Leeds United face Nottingham Forest on Friday night, in a game that can be described as nothing but a relegation six-pointer.
The two sides sit six points clear of West Ham in the relegation zone, with the Whites only above Forest because of goals scored.
Given what is at stake at Elland Road on Friday, nerves will be high, though they may be somewhat subdued by a stat that shows exactly why Leeds are on course to achieve survival.
Elland Road at night is a different prospect
Elland Road itself is a huge advantage for Leeds this season, having picked up 19 of their 26 points there so far, with just three defeats.
The home crowd is a big reason for that, and at night, the atmosphere is even more tense for visiting teams.
Leeds have won all four of their night-time games so far this season, having most recently put four past Crystal Palace back in December.
Other games include Leeds’ 3-1 win over Chelsea, also in December, as well as their 2-1 victory over West Ham back in October.
That itself serves as a huge cause for optimism heading into Friday night’s clash with Forest, but also for the rest of the season.
How many more night games do Leeds have?
As of right now, including Friday night’s match with Forest, Leeds have three more night-time kickoffs between now and the end of the campaign, with clashes against Sunderland and Brentford still to come.
Assuming they can maintain their 100 per cent record, that would see them pick up another nine points, taking them to 35 for the season.
Even if the Whites weren’t to pick up another point outside of those encounters, there is a strong chance that would be enough for survival.
But with other home encounters against Burnley and Wolves, there should be very little concern over the relegation factor.
Of course, many of the remaining fixtures are still subject to scheduling changes, but even that could prove to benefit the Whites in their attempts to avoid the drop if a handful of other encounters are to be moved to night.