Wayne Rooney gives honest verdict on race to avoid relegation, worried about Leeds

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Wayne Rooney has written in his Times column that he believes the three teams to be relegated from the Premier League this season will be three of a list of five – and Leeds United are one of those five clubs, after Saturday’s loss.

Leeds suffered a 4-1 defeat to Arsenal on Saturday. Javi Gracia sprung a few surprises with his starting XI but the game plan looked as if it was working, at least for the first 30 minutes. Defending well, but a threat on the counter.

However, a mistake from Luke Ayling changed the game entirely – Gabriel Jesus scoring a penalty. It saw Arsenal relax and Leeds had to come out of their shell, ultimately leaving gaps in behind. It sees Leeds slip into 17th place.

Rooney gave his verdict on relegation on Sunday in his latest column. Mateusz Klich’s DC United boss thinks that it will be between five clubs that do finally go down – in Leeds, Everton, Southampton, Bournemouth and Forest.

“It is hard to remember a tighter relegation battle. Things are so close. The clubs in greatest danger? Southampton, Leeds United, Bournemouth, Everton and maybe Nottingham Forest. I reckon three out of those five will go down.”

Rooney says Leeds one of five clubs that will be relegated this season

Southampton suffered defeat to West Ham on Sunday, after Rooney’s column. The Saints are now rock bottom, three points adrift having played a game more than the next six clubs. West Ham have two games in hand.

Then, Leicester who have just sacked their manager – but surely, the Foxes have too good a squad to go down. Everton look bang in trouble in 18th, with Spurs tonight and then Manchester United up next on the weekend.

Leeds have two massive fixtures this week and Javi Gracia has got to be targeting six points, given both games against Palace and Forest are at Elland Road. It has been said already, but this week is season-defining.