Leeds United take on Luton Town in the 40th round of Championship fixtures at Kenilworth Road on Saturday and David Prutton has provided his prediction for the clash.
After one win in five, Leeds now sit in second place in the Championship table and are two points off Sheffield United. That’s despite being five points clear of Chris Wilder’s side after winning at Bramall Lane.
Leeds are now the side in the worst form of the three pushing for the top two, with Burnley level on 81 points and unbeaten since November 3. Leeds desperately need a win and have made a big change.
Daniel Farke has confirmed Illan Meslier will be dropped, making way for Karl Darlow. There are other changes expected too, with Ao Tanaka, Junior Firpo pushing. Graham Smyth says Willy Gnonto will start.
David Prutton makes prediction as Leeds take on Luton away
Leeds will have to tend with their lunchtime hoodoo, too. The Whites go up against Luton at 12.30PM on Saturday while Burnley go to Coventry at the same time, and Sheffield United face Oxford later on.
Sam Parkin predicted a win for all three clubs and now, former Leeds midfielder David Prutton told Sky Sports that Leeds will win – but predicts a narrow 2-1 win for Farke’s side away in Bedfordshire.
“Luton have taken 10 points from the last five games, and they got a bit of luck at Hull. For both, it has to be a win. I’m going to go Leeds to tough it out, Luton 1-2 Leeds,” Prutton said ahead of the weekend.
David Prutton comments on Illan Meslier situation
Speaking ahead of Farke confirming that Leeds would axe Meslier and bring in Wales’ no.1 Darlow ahead of the game on Saturday, Prutton discussed his sympathy for Meslier and how hard it is for goalkeepers.
For Leeds, my word, it’s a team game but when a goalkeeper makes mistakes it’s very tough. There’s not many that would go in and say, take me out of the team – broadly, he’s been good for Leeds,” he said.
“The thing that doesn’t help is it’s got catastrophic conclusions. If I was playing wide right and lost it, you’d do well to instantly score. For a goalkeeper, there is no hiding place. You’ve got to feel for him.”
Leeds have a clean bill of health as Farke confirmed there are no injuries, but he will be doing something for the first time in his career if Leeds win. Farke has lost both of his matches against Luton away.
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