Jesse Marsch and Leeds United now know that it's possible that they could win every single one of their final four fixtures and not stay in the Premier League, as long as Burnley and Everton match their results. Of course, that's incredibly improbable at the bottom end of the table, but Leeds' fate is now out of their own hands, following a weekend which saw Burnley make a late comeback to defeat Watford and Everton pick up a surprise victory over Chelsea.
The Whites are now just two points ahead of Everton but Frank Lampard's side have five games to play, compared to the Whites' four. One of those five comes against Watford, who are on a run of five straight defeats and are almost certain to be relegated by the time they face the Toffees. Everton face Arsenal in a difficul final day fixture but they have home games against Crystal Palace and Brentford, where they will fancy more points.
Leeds ' own run features Arsenal away and Chelsea at home, before fixtures against Brighton and Brentford which could prove must-win, depending on how their rivals have performed. One team in particular could do Leeds a huge favour in this regard.
Read more: Leeds United handed potential boost following Richarlison flare throwing investigation
In a strange fixture quirk, Steven Gerrard's Aston Villa face Burnley twice in their four final games. That's due to a covid cancellation earlier in the season which wasn't rearranged until now. Villa have been on poor form since they won 3-0 at Elland Road, but they have had an up-tick in recent games, taking four points from their last two.
Burnley have been on excellent form, winning three in a row, but Wolves and Southampton both put in poor, end-of-season performances. Gerrard won't accept that from his team. Knowing that they have been on a bad run, he will be demanding they finish the season well and give themselves something to build on for next season. Marsch 's side could hugely benefit if Gerrard is able to take points in both games against the Clarets. Given that Burnley's other two fixtures are against Spurs and a resurgent Newcastle United, Leeds could have hope of beating their points total in the final stretch.
That would be critical, as the two sides are matched on points. Burnley have the goal difference advantage, so they will finish above Leeds if they take the same points in the final four. However, whilst things are this close, there is still hope for Leeds. If they can take anything at all from these next two games and Villa can go to Turf Moor and take a win, they could find themselves back in front with just two games left to go. It will be nervy, but it is possible.
Go here for all the latest Leeds United news
