The race to avoid 18th place in the Premier League has taken plenty of twists and turns over the last couple of months, with Leeds United now seven points ahead of West Ham.
At one stage, after six losses in seven games and with Daniel Farke’s job on the line, Leeds were sitting in the relegation zone. But since then, Leeds have gone unbeaten in six games, picking up 10 points in total.
Have YOU forgiven Rio Ferdinand for his move to Manchester United? 🤔
The controversial 2002 transfer is clearly still on HIS mind… 🧠
Leeds will be hoping to make that 13 from seven on Sunday, when they host bitter enemies Manchester United at Elland Road. The Whites have the chance to go 10 points clear of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
It comes after the Hammers suffered another defeat on Saturday, but this one more crushing than the rest. Crysencio Summerville was helpless as the Hammers were hammered 3-0 by rock-bottom Wolves.
Paul Merson cannot see West Ham escaping relegation scrap
Despite Wolves’ win over West Ham, the Midlands club have just six points. Rob Edwards has watched his side win four points from the last two but realistically, Wolves are still down. They are 12 from safety.
Burnley sit behind West Ham on 12 points, two points off the Hammers, after losing to Georginio Rutter’s Brighton on Saturday. Paul Merson believes Saturday’s loss to Wolves means West Ham are now down.
“I can’t see it [West Ham surviving relegation] now. I pencilled the four games they had; Fulham, Brighton, Wolves, Nottingham Forest. Get 10 points out of these games, then you have a chance of staying up.
“Three games, one point. Now they have to play at home – how many games did they win at home last year? I think they’re relegated, I don’t give them a chance which is a shame,” Merson told Sky Sports.
Who should replace Ampadu against Manchester United? 🤔
The options will be scarce if Gruev needs a rest… 😬
Leeds United will have expected a tougher challenge, if so
For the first half of the season, Leeds fans have been determined to maintain a point a game, and such has been the pressure applied to Farke and the Leeds players. But they’ve delivered when needed.
If West Ham continue this rate of points won, they will finish the season with 27 points (rounded up from 26.6). That means Leeds are just seven away from safety, currently sitting on 21 points after 19 games.
However, West Ham have already spent cash. The Hammers are set to clock up three early attacking signings in Adama Traore, Pedro, and Leeds target Taty Castellanos. Leeds need to respond in January.
For now, Leeds look good and, according to Merson, are safe already. But Farke will not rest on his laurels, or ‘fall asleep’. He knows this Leeds side have done nothing yet and still need at least another 17 points.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
