Much is made of the Christmas period being a busy one but the truth is, Leeds United only have three more games to play in December. Brentford on Sunday, followed by Crystal Palace and Sunderland.
Of course, the fixture list does get a bit busier in the new year, but in terms of December, Leeds have just three games to play. They start with a tricky trip to Brentford, who started well but have dipped in form.
Daniel Farke’s job is safe for now, can he get a result against Brentford? 🔮
Given all the praise Brentford and Keith Andrews have received, they are only four points ahead of Leeds. Brentford have lost four of their last six, including their last two. There is every chance Leeds get a result.
Then, Leeds host Crystal Palace, who have a much busier schedule in December. Palace are in the Europa League and the Carabao Cup still, with Oliver Glasner facing seven games in the space of just 21 days.
Oliver Glasner hands Leeds United a potential boost
Speaking ahead of the first of those seven on Wednesday – a Europa League clash against Shellbourne – Glasner said that next week, he will be making changes to his side ahead of the clash at Elland Road.
On Thursday, Palace go to Ireland, and it is believed Glasner will only have 15 fit senior players. They then take on Man City on the weekend, before hosting Finnish side KUPS next Thursday at Selhurst Park.
Glasner says next week he will probably make 11 changes between games against KuPS and Leeds, if European qualification is secure: “It would be a little bit easier to rest 10 or 12 players for the KuPS game.
“I won’t start anybody on Thursday evening and then on Saturday evening because I feel responsible for the players’ welfare. This would make it a little bit easier with a win,” Glasner continued on Wednesday.
If Crystal Palace make 11 changes between the KuPS and Leeds games, then it is inevitable that Palace will simply not be at full strength for the Leeds games. He will have to rotate and that gives Leeds a chance.
There is a real chance that Leeds can win three from three
On Sunday, Leeds arguably face their hardest of the next three games. Brentford are excellent at home, and Leeds are poor in London, but this is a Brentford side that has dropped off after a stunning start.
Four defeats in six and two consecutive losses is something Farke needs to build on. Certainly, the team with momentum at the moment is Leeds, going into Sunday’s match. Leeds have a chance of a result.
How many points can Leeds get from the next five games? 🔮
But at home to a weakened and shattered Palace side, Leeds could easily win all three points at Elland Road next week. Then, a trip to Sunderland, but a Sunderland side without their key African players.
Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, and four other Sunderland players will be jetting off. It will be a Sunderland side lacking in depth and quality compared to the team that has sparkled in the Premier League so far.
Easier said than done, but Leeds can win all three. Not many will have said that previously, but Leeds are able to go and get themselves a result in each of the next three games, with their opponents struggling.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
