The Premier League is back and Leeds United’s eighth chapter in the fight for survival takes them to Burnley’s Turf Moor for a clash between the two automatically promoted sides.
Leeds have made a better start than Burnley after seven Premier League games. Daniel Farke’s side have performed a lot better than many may have expected, winning eight points from their seven outings.
Burnley, meanwhile, have only secured four points so far and sit in the relegation zone. However, Scott Parker’s men have had a very tricky start, already facing Man United, Man City, Liverpool and Tottenham.
Burnley came close to securing draws against Man United and Liverpool, only to concede last-minute winners. This will be a hard-fought, closely-contested encounter between two sides with plenty of rivalry.
Paul Merson says Leeds the better side, but predicts a draw
Paul Merson has given his prediction to Sports Keeda, claiming that Leeds have “comfortably” been the better side this season. He thinks that if Leeds can replicate their win against Wolves, they win the game.
But despite his praise for Leeds, Arsenal legend Merson goes on to predict a 1-1 draw at Turf Moor on Saturday. He also claims that if it does end in a draw, then both sides will finish in the bottom six.
“A Leeds win would send them seven points clear of Burnley and the relegation zone. If Burnley get three points, they are just a point behind Leeds. That explains how much of a high-stakes clash this is for both.
“I don’t think Burnley have got going just yet. There’s only four points between them but honestly, there’s a lot between the sides if you look at just performances. Leeds have comfortably been the better side.
“If Leeds perform like they did against Wolves, they win this game. But, I can’t pick a clear winner here. If it ends up being a draw like I think, both Burnley and Leeds will be in that bottom five or six all season.”
Leeds United’s injury news ahead of Burnley clash on Saturday
Going into Farke’s press conference on Thursday, Leeds were expecting to be without Dan James but were set to welcome back both Lucas Perri and Willy Gnonto from injuries prior to the October break.
However, to the surprise of many, Farke confirmed that James could actually get some minutes. Gnonto has undergone hernia surgery and is set to return next week, with his calf problems now all cleared up.
Perri is back in training but lacks fitness and Farke says Karl Darlow will retain his place at Turf Moor. Then, Noah Okafor is a doubt due to adductor issues and a hip problem continues to keep Harry Gray sidelined.
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