Leeds United are sitting pretty in 16th position after a brilliant week that saw Daniel Farke save his job, and Leeds earn four points from games against Chelsea and Liverpool.
After six defeats in seven, Leeds went into games against Chelsea and Liverpool with Farke’s future on the line and yet, his tactical switch and sudden proactiveness saw Leeds beat Chelsea last Wednesday night.
Then, on Saturday, a stunning second half saw Leeds equalise in injury time against Liverpool, earning a point against Arne Slot’s struggling Reds. A brilliant week that has reinvigorated hope among supporters.
But Leeds remain right up against it. They are back to a point a game, with 15 from 15, but there is still a long way to go. Opta report that there is a 42% chance Leeds go down, the third-highest in the league.
Jamie Carragher believes Leeds are still going to find it difficult
After a run of games against Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool, Leeds now face a slightly easier run until the new year. Brentford away on Sunday, before Crystal Palace at Elland Road and then Sunderland.
A Sunderland side that will be without a whole host of key African players, who jet off to represent their countries on the 15th. However, Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports that he thinks Leeds will still struggle.
He believes that the issue facing Leeds is simply that Farke’s squad is not as good as a lot of their rivals and when push comes to shove, that will see the Whites struggle to retain their Premier League position.
“Yes, brilliant management, but going to 3-5-2 doesn’t mean all Leeds problems are finished. They are going to lose games; they are going to find it difficult. They do not have the quality of the other teams.
“But Farke made changes against Liverpool, and we saw a real impact. Calvert-Lewin has made a huge impact over the last week. Elland Road was absolutely bouncing at 2-1, then they equalised again.”
Daniel Farke relieved after Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool results 🎂🍺☕
Coffee and cake for the Leeds gaffer!
“To be honest, I’m happy that this weekend is over and I can have some coffee and cake on the sofa. Maybe even a beer, or a pint.”
Leeds v Brentford – the state of Daniel Farke’s squad currently
Farke will be desperate to build on the momentum that Leeds have garnered over the last week, and take it to London. An area of the country that Leeds have struggled with historically, especially Brentford.
Of the last five meetings, Leeds have only won once and it came in the form of a 2-1 win away at the G-Tech under Jesse Marsch. A 2-1 win that saw a Raphinha-inspired Leeds survive on the final day of 21-22.
Ahead of this weekend’s fixture, Leeds do have injury problems. Dan James and Sean Longstaff will miss the game as they continue their recovery from muscle issues, while Lukas Nmecha remains a doubt.
However, given he was a late call for Liverpool, there is hope that Nmecha will be fit enough to travel to Brentford. Jayden Bogle and Ethan Ampadu are on four yellow cards, one more will be a suspension.
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