Paul Merson makes new relegation prediction for ‘amazing’ Leeds as Premier League returns
Paul Merson believes Leeds United are far from calling themselves safe from relegation ahead of their trip to Aston Villa.
Leeds have given themselves a huge chance of staying in the Premier League for another season after a strong middle stretch of the campaign.
In late November, calls for Daniel Farke‘s sacking were at fever point, but victories over Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Fulham, and Nottingham Forest have lifted them six points clear of the relegation zone.
They would have more breathing space to the bottom three had it not been for West Ham’s resurgence, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s team winning three of their last five league fixtures.
Despite the good work that Farke is doing at Elland Road, ex-Arsenal man Merson feels that Unai Emery’s side will have too much for them at Villa Park on Saturday.
Aston Villa backed to beat Leeds United amid West Ham threat
After beating Championship side Birmingham City in the fourth round of the FA Cup last Sunday, Leeds return to Premier League action with a tough trip to third-placed Villa.
Emery’s side won the reverse fixture 2-1 in a game where Leeds were on top in the first half, before regressing badly in the second period.
Despite Leeds’ uptick in form and Villa’s indifferent run of results, ex-Villans player Merson has predicted a 2-0 home win.
He also thinks that if West Ham beat Bournemouth on Saturday, Leeds will be fully back in the relegation scrap.
He told Sportskeeda: “Aston Villa are not playing their best football at the moment. But they are still winning games, which is all they need to do at this stage of the season. This is a big game coming up for them.
“Leeds United have been amazing in recent weeks. 10 weeks ago, we would have had them as favourites to get relegated. But they are now six points clear of West Ham in 18th and have both Tottenham and Nottingham Forest below them.
“I believe Leeds are far from calling themselves safe, though. This is a big weekend in the relegation battle. If West Ham get a win at Bournemouth, I expect Leeds and a few other clubs to be dragged back into the battle to avoid the drop.”
There is plenty to play for in this game. Villa could close within five points of league leaders Arsenal with a win, while Leeds could go nine clear of the bottom three if they emerge victorious.
- Read more: Troy Deeney drops Leeds relegation prediction as he calls for another sacking at Nottingham Forest
Daniel Farke makes telling January transfer window admission
When the summer transfer window shut, Farke made it clear he was not entirely happy with Leeds’ recruitment for the season ahead.
In particular, he wanted more attacking reinforcements. Going back several transfer windows now, the German has called on the Whites to sign a number 10.
Then, in January, Leeds granted his wish by bringing in Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte on loan for the rest of the season, months on from him snubbing the Yorkshire side for Chelsea.
However, the 21-year-old has played just a handful of times for Leeds so far, despite being their sole first-team January signing.
After an underwhelming first start against Birmingham in the FA Cup, Farke admitted that Buonanotte wasn’t signed to be a starting player for Leeds.
He did admit that he would get chances, but he has to put his own players first, especially in his change of system that has worked wonders in LS11.
So, will Leeds’ lack of January signings hurt them down the stretch? Only time will tell.
For even more Leeds United news, analysis and opinions, head over to Football Insider.