Leeds United travel to Selhurst Park on Sunday knowing they sit just three points above the relegation zone and are in real need of a result against Crystal Palace.
Back-to-back home defeats to Manchester City and Sunderland have eroded what once seemed like a comfortable cushion, pulling Leeds firmly back into the relegation fight.
With West Ham beginning to build momentum and Nottingham Forest showing signs of a turnaround, Daniel Farke’s side know a positive result this weekend could be vital in keeping them out of the bottom three.
Leeds have been boosted by the return of Noah Okafor to training. However, Chris Sutton conceded that he is worried about the Whites and Daniel Farke ahead of the big game.
‘I am worried about Leeds and Daniel Farke’ – Chris Sutton
The former Blackburn and Chelsea striker is not putting too much credence on Leeds beating Palace at Elland Road 4-1 earlier in the season.
He feels Palace are much more stable team compared to earlier in the campaign, and have picked up a couple of good results to ease the pressure.
However, Sutton is really worried about Leeds and Farke after the last two defeats and insisted that the Whites are in dire need of a result now.
He predicted Leeds to pick up a point from their trip to Selhurst Park on Sunday.
Sutton told BBC Sport: “Leeds hammered Crystal Palace 4-1 before Christmas, but it will be much closer when they meet on Sunday.
“Palace seem to have stabilised again, and have picked up a couple of wins to give themselves some breathing space over the bottom three.
“Leeds are in much greater danger, and I am a bit worried about them at the moment. They need to keep picking up positive results.
“I really feel for Daniel Farke because he has had a great season, but they are only three points clear of the relegation zone, and they really need something from this game.
“There will be some goals in this, but I think the points will be shared.
“Sutton’s prediction: 2-2.”
Leeds cannot depend on other teams
Daniel Farke’s side have suffered consecutive league defeats for the first time since November and now find themselves just three points above the relegation zone.
Another poor result at Selhurst Park on Sunday would be a significant setback, although Leeds still do not look like a side destined for relegation this season.
| Pos | Club | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 |  Leeds United |
29 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 37 | 48 | -11 | 31 |
| 16 |  Tottenham Hotspur |
29 | 7 | 8 | 14 | 39 | 46 | -7 | 29 |
| 17 |  Nottingham Forest |
29 | 7 | 7 | 15 | 28 | 43 | -15 | 28 |
| 18 |  West Ham United |
29 | 7 | 7 | 15 | 35 | 54 | -19 | 28 |
| 19 |  Burnley |
29 | 4 | 7 | 18 | 32 | 58 | -26 | 19 |
| 20 |  Wolverhampton Wanderers |
30 | 3 | 7 | 20 | 22 | 52 | -30 | 16 |
Tottenham appear to be the team drifting towards real trouble, but Leeds know they still need a result in south London to steady the nerves.
They cannot rely on another club collapsing if they want to secure their Premier League status this season.
