Plenty has changed at Elland Road since this time last year, but Leeds remain in a similarly ominous position heading into the final few games of the season.
Jesse Marsch – with a little bit of help from Raphinha – was able to inspire the Yorkshire club to safety in 2021/22, and Javi Gracia is looking to do the same at the end of 2022/23. The Spaniard was appointed as a mere stop-gap in the wake of Marsch’s dismissal, but Gracia’s spell in charge has been pretty indifferent thus far, with the recent 1-1 draw against fellow drop-zone fearers Leicester doing very little for either side.
While some teams, namely West Ham and Crystal Palace, have eased fears of succumbing to the second tier, several clubs remain in considerable danger. Leeds are one of those, and here’s what their fixture list looks like to round off the campaign.
Bournemouth took a huge stride towards safety when they secured a dramatic last-gasp victory at Tottenham on 15 April, but they aren’t quite home and dry yet.
The Cherries’ buffer, for now, is five points, but they do have fixtures upcoming against Southampton and Leeds. Defeat for Leeds on the south coast, and many will begin resigning Gracia’s side to the Championship.
This is a free hit for Leeds.
Man City are firing on all cylinders at present, and they should be able to swat aside the Yorkshire club when they visit the Etihad to open up May. The Citizens could have one eye on their Champions League semi-final tie with Real Madrid, but they’re chasing the treble. Every game is significant for Pep Guardiola’s men.
Leeds then host top-four chasers Newcastle in the Saturday lunchtime kick-off on 13 April.
The Magpies dispelled fears of a potential malaise after they were beaten 3-0 by Aston Villa as they thrashed Tottenham 6-1 at St. James’ Park. Eddie Howe’s side are edging towards a deserved Champions League berth.
It’s been a brilliant couple of weeks for West Ham. Huge results in the Premier League arrived either side of their 4-1 thumping of Gent which sent them through to the Europa Conference League semi-finals.
The Hammers should be fine in the context of relegation, but this is a contest Leeds may well have to win in order to survive.
Tottenham at home on the final day? Leeds couldn’t have asked for a kinder fixture to aid their survival hopes!
The relegation dogfight is poised to be decided on Matchday 38, and the Elland Road faithful will be determined to steer their side to safety should Leeds’ fate not be resolved before Tottenham’s visit.
Spurs may be improved with Ryan Mason at the helm, but they’ll likely have little to play for when they make the trip up to West Yorkshire.
Credit: 90min.com
