Paul Merson tells Leeds United the signing they need to make to ensure Premier League safety

Add as preferred source on Google

Leeds United host in-form Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon with Daniel Farke’s job on the line ahead of an incredibly tough run of fixtures, and Paul Merson has provided his prediction.

There is growing pressure on Farke to get a result on Sunday, or the pressure will become too much. Fans have not been impressed with Farke’s comments this week, with the German telling fans to calm down.

LeedsUnited.News has been told that The 49ers intend to give Farke until January. But pressure from fans could easily see Leeds opt to remove Farke and a heavy defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday would do that.

Graham Smyth believes Farke needs a win, but if Leeds fail to beat Villa, he thinks a couple of points will be needed from games against Man City at The Etihad, and both Chelsea and Liverpool at Elland Road.

Realistically, Leeds are in danger of losing their next four matches and Paul Merson has predicted the result from Sunday’s clash, while also identifying what Leeds need to do in the January transfer window.

• READ MORE: Leeds fans discuss Marcelo Bielsa amid reports he could be sacked by Uruguay

Paul Merson predicts Aston Villa to beat Leeds United

After a very poor start, Unai Emery has turned Villa’s fortunes around and guided his side to five wins in six Premier League games. Villa are in a much better place than they were at the beginning of 2025-26.

Speaking to Sports Keeda, Merson predicted only Leeds’ second home Premier League defeat of the season to Villa, a 3-1 loss. The Arsenal icon also identified the signing Leeds need to make in January.

“I worry for Leeds a bit. I look at their team, I don’t know who is going to give them that X-factor. Aston Villa have turned a massive corner in recent weeks and are one of the most in-form teams in the league.

“Leeds need to go out and sign someone who can bring the X-factor to their team in January, if they want to stay in the Premier League. An easy win for Villa here,” Merson summarised, predicting a Villa victory.

Daniel Farke’s record against Aston Villa across six matches

Farke then, needs a win but the odds are stacked against him. However, he can take some pride in his record against the Midlands side, facing Villa as a manager on six occasions throughout his career.

The former Norwich manager has won three times against Aston Villa, but also lost on three other occasions. His three wins, however, all came in the Championship, while he lost both top-tier matches.

It feels ominous for Farke and Leeds that Sunday will result in a defeat. What happens after that remains to be seen, whether The 49ers stick to their guns or give in to demands from fans, who want Farke gone.