Leeds United are set to endure a nervy end to the Premier League campaign, with the Whites currently sitting three points above the relegation zone with nine games left to play.
Whilst Leeds were on the wrong end of a 1-0 result against Sunderland, West Ham made no mistakes in their midweek fixture, defeating Fulham 1-0 away from home to ensure the gap between the two sides was halved.
Whilst West Ham are currently in the midst of an impressive run of form, the same cannot be said for fellow relegation rivals Tottenham, with Leeds hoping that their dismal run under Igor Tudor continues.
Micah Richards recently had his say on Leeds and their aim to stay in the Premier League, with the former Manchester City defender seemingly not being as convinced with Daniel Farke’s side as he once was.
Micah Richards ‘worried’ for Leeds during relegation battle
Typically, Richards is extremely positive when it comes to discussing Leeds on The Rest Is Football podcast, but the former England international did not share his usual enthusiasm following United’s latest defeat.
“I’m starting to worry for my hometown team,” Richards said.
“They’re playing well, they’re getting into good areas, but they’re not finishing things anymore, and I’m starting to worry.”
The defeat against Sunderland was the Whites’ second consecutive loss at Elland Road, and considering the fact that Farke’s men have only picked up one away win all season, Leeds cannot afford to lose many more games at home if they want to avoid the drop.
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Data confirms Leeds have been wasteful in front of goal recently
Alongside the two defeats in their last two outings, Leeds have also failed to score in both of their most recent games against Sunderland and Manchester City, squandering multiple golden opportunities as Richards rightly identified.
Big chances have fallen to the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Brenden Aaronson in recent games, with neither being able to capitalise and convert the opportunities provided to them.
- Leeds had a 1.15 xG and 18 shots against Sunderland and failed to score
- It was even worse for Leeds against Man City, with United failing to convert any of their 14 shots that accumulated a total xG of 1.49
- It was the first time Leeds have failed to score in back-to-back games since September (Sofascore)
The FA Cup clash against Norwich this weekend is a perfect opportunity for Leeds to get back to winning ways and regain some momentum, whilst hopefully getting a few of the United attackers back on the scoresheet.
