Former Arsenal winger Paul Merson believes Leeds United will be relegated if they lose to Southampton. Javi Gracia welcomes the Premier League’s rock-bottom side in his debut game as Whites head coach.
While that would usually be a dream start for most coaches, the game is being billed as a relegation six-pointer. Leeds - sitting 19th in the table - are without a league win for three months and face a Southampton side that beat Chelsea on the road last weekend.
The Whites’ failure to score in four of the last five fixtures also provides a conundrum for Gracia. Two points adrift from safety is no impossible task but, writing in his SportsKeeda column, ex-Gunners star Merson expects the loser on Saturday to finish in the bottom three.
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“This is yet another massive fixture in the relegation zone,” he wrote. “I was flabbergasted with the Chelsea result last weekend. Southampton got the win against the odds. They were the better team in the first half. They chased everything down and worked hard. They did get a bit lucky in the second half but fair play to them, they got the win.
“Leeds United play at 100 miles an hour irrespective of the scoreline. Whichever team loses here is likely to get relegated. You've got to beat the teams around you and that's why both sides need to go all out for the win here.
“Southampton are going into this full of confidence. The Saints performed well against the Blues and will play with belief on Saturday. But the match is likely to end in a draw.”
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