Leeds United’s lead over the bottom three has shrunk to six points following the latest results in the Premier League’s survival race.
Daniel Farke’s men appeared to have more or less sealed Premier League safety when they hit the 40-point mark with a draw against Bournemouth on Wednesday night.
However, Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Tottenham won their games this weekend, keeping the survival race interesting with four games left in the Premier League season.
The race to survive in the Premier League is expected to go down to the wire, and Gary Neville has indicated that Leeds may not be feeling completely safe after what happened this weekend at the bottom of the table.
‘I thought Leeds were out of it’ – Gary Neville
The former Manchester United defender took stock of the situation on Saturday evening following the weekend’s results that saw Forest, West Ham and Spurs winning their respective games.
Leeds are still not mathematically safe in the Premier League. However, Neville feels they will beat Burnley at home and get the job done soon.
He believes Leeds were psychologically safe in the top flight the moment they beat Manchester United at Old Trafford, as their run-in is easier compared to the other teams.
The former defender insisted that the race is down to West Ham and Tottenham for the last relegation spot in the table.
He said on Sky Sports’ Gary Neville Podcast: “I thought Leeds were out of it.
“I think Leeds’ fixtures are quite good. They have got Burnley at home, Tottenham, Brighton and West Ham,
“I think Leeds will beat Burnley at home, which will then take them to a point where I don’t think they will get caught.
“I think Leeds are okay; Nottingham Forest may need one more win, but I think they are okay.
“I do think it’s West Ham or Spurs.
“Once Leeds went to Old Trafford and won, at that point psychologically they were going to survive for me as their fixtures going into the run-in were more comfortable than the rest.”
The Whites can still impact the survival race for others
Daniel Farke’s side look all but certain to stay in the Premier League, and one more win should make it official.
If Leeds can grab a victory in the coming weeks and get past Chelsea in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final, their priorities could look very different by the time they travel to Tottenham next month.
That is exactly what Tottenham will be hoping for. If Leeds are already safe and have an FA Cup final on the horizon, Farke could decide to rotate his squad for that game.
Before heading to north London, Leeds face Burnley at home, and a win there should be enough to secure their survival.
By then, Leeds might already be out of Tottenham’s reach, which would suit Spurs perfectly. Safe, comfortable, and perhaps a little distracted by the pull of a Wembley final.
The Whites will also take on West Ham on the final day of the season and could end up deciding the fate of either of the two London clubs.
