Nigel Martyn has told LeedsUnited.News that he reckons Marcelo Bielsa’s men could get as many as four points from their next two matches against Leicester City and Crystal Palace – but has urged caution against the Foxes.
The Whites have returned to the Premier League in fine form. In what is their first season back in the top flight since the relegation and financial collapse of 2004 – Leeds have picked up 10 points from six games under Bielsa.
Wins over Fulham, Sheffield United and Aston Villa have been combined with unfortunate defeats to Liverpool and Wolves, and a 1-1 draw with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Leicester is up next at Elland Road, on Monday.
Leeds icon Martyn has urged his old side to remain cautious against the Foxes, who finished in a lofty fifth place in the Premier League last season. Jamie Vardy and co. are full of confidence after a 1-0 win over Arsenal on Sunday.
“Leicester are a very dangerous side,” Martyn told LeedsUnited.News. “They set-up to counter attack. The way Leeds play, they will always throw bodies forward. I have a slight air of caution on that game. There has to be an element of caution.
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“With Leicester, they’re dangerous. Vardy only needs one chance. An element of caution, but I wouldn’t tell Bielsa how to suck eggs. I expect there will be counter-attacking types of training session The onus is on you at home, but there needs to be a slight element of caution. A point wouldn’t be a bad result.”
It is a long break between Friday’s win over Villa and next Monday’s clash against Leicester, but there is a quick turnaround after that match. Leeds then take to the field on Saturday, travelling south to take on Crystal Palace.
Palace have also made a good start with Wilfried Zaha on fire, netting his fifth goal of the season in a 2-1 win over Fulham. Martyn feels Leeds have can beat his old side Palace – predicting Leeds to aim for three or four points from both matches.
“Palace are high energy, but you know where the threat comes form,” Martyn said. “If you can quiet down Zaha, who is a big part of Palace. I don’t know how they will find the pitch, the stadium isn’t the best. Big teams hate going there.
“Under Roy [Hodgson], they do try and play some football but at the end of the day, I’m sure Roy instructs his side to get the ball to Zaha. Leeds will be looking for three or four points over that period.”
Leeds will be hoping that captain Liam Cooper can return in time to play against Leicester next Monday, while Diego Llorente could also return to face the Foxes and make his Leeds debut. Kalvin Phillips remains sidelined.
