Opta provide update on Leeds United’s chances of surviving relegation after Tottenham defeat

Add as preferred source on Google

Leeds United’s Opta survival chances have taken another turn after the 2-1 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Leeds United have headed into the international break stewing on their third defeat of the campaign, but their first at Elland Road so far.

Making Elland Road a fortress could be key to their survival hopes. However, they have drawn two and lost one in their last three fixtures.

Opta got it right for Leeds against Bournemouth, although only due to the late equaliser from the Cherries. But Opta also believed Spurs would claim points against Leeds as well.

• READ MORE: Mike Dean weighs in on Premier League beach ball rule after Leeds United vs Tottenham issue

Opta’s updated Premier League survival chances for Leeds

At the start of the season, Opta predicted Leeds to finish 19th. That is despite the fact that Opta have ranked Leeds above some quality sides in Europe this season.

It’s been updated on a few occasions since then, with Leeds outside of the drop zone all season so far. They enter the break sat in 15th on eight points.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
10	Manchester UnitedManchester United	7	3	1	3	9	11	-2	10
11	NewcastleNewcastle	7	2	3	2	6	5	1	9
12	BrightonBrighton	7	2	3	2	10	10	0	9
13	Aston VillaAston Villa	7	2	3	2	6	7	-1	9
14	FulhamFulham	7	2	2	3	8	11	-3	8
15	LeedsLeeds	7	2	2	3	7	11	-4	8
16	BrentfordBrentford	7	2	1	4	9	12	-3	7
17	Nottingham ForestNottingham Forest	7	1	2	4	5	12	-7	5
18	BurnleyBurnley	7	1	1	5	7	15	-8	4
19	West HamWest Ham	7	1	1	5	6	16	-10	4
20	WolvesWolves	7	0	2	5	5	14	-9	2

Prior to the Wolves game, Opta believed Leeds survive relegation this season. That was an update from the 19th verdict they initially gave.

The update from Opta after Leeds beat Wolves was even more positive, with 17th and more than 40 points projected.

The latest from Opta is that Leeds will survive in 17th, but their projected points total is now below 40. Leeds and Sunderland are basically neck and neck.

Fulham and Brentford both have less than 12% chances of relegation, meaning that there is a distinct bottom six as the favourites for the drop per Opta.

• READ MORE: Leeds United hero Pablo Hernandez completes impressive managerial feat, Marcelo Bielsa would be proud

Leeds are in the middle of season-defining fixtures

Opta believe Leeds are in the middle of an easier run of fixtures right now, which makes it such a vital month or so of their season.

It is potentially season-defining, and could see their chances dramatically increase or reduce before facing a particularly tricky run of fixtures.

The next five will change the landscape dramatically for Leeds. Of course, a number of players are away on international duty as well, but it’s a key time to find rhythm and momentum within the squad.