Premier League

Leeds’ key fixtures in the race against the drop

Harvey Barnes

Following the failure of the Jesse Marsch experiment, the burden has fallen on Javi Gracia to help Leeds escape the drop.

Guided to the top flight by Marcelo Bielsa in 2020, it’s been a difficult 18 months for Leeds after taking the league by storm in their first Premier League campaign since 2003/04. Bielsa’s magic faded in year four, and while Marsch showed promise during his year at the helm, Leeds were quickly heading towards the drop under his tutelage.

They were forced into action, and Gracia has enjoyed a promising enough start at the helm. However, the Spaniard’s got plenty of work to do if he’s to steer the Yorkshire outfit to safety.

Here’s how Leeds’ schedule closes out the season, including their most important upcoming fixtures that could decide their fate.

Wolves vs Leeds

After winning a huge relegation six-pointer against Southampton a couple of weeks ago, the crunch contests continue to roll for Gracia’s Leeds.

They take on Wolves at Molineux this weekend knowing victory will close the gap between themselves and Saturday’s opponents to just a point. Julen Lopetegui’s functional outfit, one that’s improved under his leadership, have also played a game more than Leeds.

Leeds vs Nottingham Forest

Forest scored just their fourth Premier League goal on the road last weekend as they were beaten 3-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. While Steve Cooper’s side have improved massively since the start of the season, their away record remains dire.

They’ve accumulated just six away points all season, while 17 of Leeds’ 23 points have come at Elland Road. Talk about a must-win for Gracia’s side.

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Leeds vs Crystal Palace

Palace’s lack of a reliable goalscorer has seen them emerge as the Premier League’s poorest outfit in 2023. After a promising first half of the season, the Eagles are now well amongst it in the bottom half of the table.

Patrick Vieira has got to start winning games soon because he could quickly find himself out of the job despite all the good work he’s done in south London.

Leeds vs Leicester

Harvey Barnes

Leeds lost at Leicester in October / Eddie Keogh/GettyImages

Leeds’ home schedule to close out the season will give many fans hope that survival is within their grasp. They have another winnable fixture at Elland Road in April with a slumping Leicester coming to town.

The place will be rocking under the lights.

Bournemouth vs Leeds

Gracia’s side are back on the road to close out April as they visit Gary O’Neil’s Bournemouth. The Cherries have surprised…

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