Leeds United have just five games remaining to claim their spot in the Premier League for another season. Javi Gracia’s side missed the opportunity to move four points clear of the drop zone on Tuesday night as they drew 1-1 with relegation rivals Leicester City at Elland Road.
That result means Leeds are under even more pressure to pick up the points they need during the run-in and on the face of it that looks a tricky task. United travel to Bournemouth on Sunday before taking on Manchester City, Newcastle United, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur in the gruelling month of May.
Here’s a look at Leeds’ last five in order of importance.
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1. Bournemouth (a) - April 30
The notion of the next game always being the most important could not be truer when it comes to Leeds’ situation. United simply have to snap their winless run this weekend and despite the long journey, there can be no excuses for not doing so against a side that can still be considered to be in the mire.
Bournemouth may have picked up a few wins of late, but their 4-0 loss to West Ham last time out ought to provide encouragement and a win on the south coast would certainly give Leeds the boost they need going into May. Another defeat and it becomes hard to see where the points United are in desperate need of will come from.
Given this one sees the two worst defensive records in the league go head to head, it’s a fair assumption to say there could be goals in it and Leeds have the firepower to make the most of their trip to Dorset.
2. West Ham (a) - May 21
West Ham gave their hopes of survival a huge boost on Sunday by seeing off Bournemouth 4-0, but their schedule between now and the clash against Leeds looks anything but straightforward. David Moyes’ side face Liverpool, a rejuvenated Crystal Palace, both Manchester clubs and Brentford before welcoming Leeds to the London Stadium and that looks tricky.
That’s not to mention the fact that West Ham are still competing on two fronts with a two-legged Europa Conference League semi-final against AZ Alkmaar to play. The second leg comes just three days before the Leeds game and that could be taxing for the Hammers.
At the time of writing this one still looks like a six-pointer and on the penultimate weekend of the season three points could make all the difference.
3. Spurs (h) - May 28
Tottenham might be sixth at present but it’s hard to look at their current form and think points aren’t there to be claimed for Leeds. The manner of Sunday’s defeat at Newcastle certainly sent out a message about where the north Londoners are at this stage of the season and their remaining opponents will be rubbing their hands together with glee at the prospect of facing them.
Of course, both sides could have little to play for come the final day of the season, but the likelihood is that they will and therefore this one looks huge at present. Three points could be the difference between a fourth straight season in the Premier League or relegation back to the Championship for Leeds.
4. Newcastle (h) - May 13
Leeds know they are more than capable of taking points off Newcastle United. They managed to hold them to a draw on New Year’s Eve at St James’ Park and they have seen the Magpies frustrated by other teams at the foot of the division, too.
However, the Whites know they have their work cut out against the Champions League chasers, who have won six of their last seven at the time of writing. A victory over Eddie Howe’s side would be huge for Leeds, but given where the two teams sit in the Premier League table, anything Leeds can get would be a bonus.
5. Man City (a)- May 6
Manchester City are in ominous form right now. Pep Guardiola’s side are a juggernaut, moving slowly but surely towards the title and the expectation is that they'll sweep aside Leeds on their way to the summit.
United will take optimism from the fact that City’s Champions League visit to Real Madrid comes just three days after their clash at the Etihad Stadium and Guardiola’s selection may reflect that. But, the depth within their squad is such that they wouldn’t be a huge drop off in standards.
There’s no such thing as a free hit at this stage of the season, but with the odds stacked against the Whites, this might be close to being one.
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