Leeds United were in a slump near the end of last year. In their first season back in the top flight, it was trouble staying afloat.
The team were in bad form and there were signs pointing to Daniel Farke being sacked. They had gotten a few results here and there but around late November, the results were not coming at all.
Their run of games ahead looked intimidating and many suggested that Farke could be sacked before Christmas.
But Leeds got the turnaround they needed when Daniel Farke made some tactical and personnel changes to the team. They went on an impressive run into the new year and never looked back.
It all started with that 3-1 win over Chelsea at Elland Road.
talkSPORT pundits deliver blunt Sunderland vs Leeds prediction
Leeds United. Credit: IMAGO
Another club staring at a similar situation so early this year is Sunderland.
After a fantastic campaign following promotion, the Black Cats have struggled to replicate last year’s start. The team were flying high early last season, picking up as many points as possible.
So when they went into a slump in the latter part of the campaign, they had already amassed enough to avoid relegation.
They even got a few wins at the end to qualify for European football.
Sunderland face Leeds United this weekend and desperately need a result. For some reason, the team play better in Europe than in England – seven points from three games in the Conference League to just four points in seven games in the Premier League.
Going into the Leeds game, they desperately need a result. But Rory Jennings and Andy Goldstein have predicted that they are unsure the Black Cats will get something on Sunday.
“Sunderland need a point”, Jennings said on the Who You Got? show.
Goldstein added: “They are one of the teams that could go down if they don’t buck up their ideas and Leeds are good.
“If this was last season, Sunderland’s home record was fantastic, but I’d say Leeds to win this 2-1.
Jennings responded: “I think Leeds will win as well. I think Leeds will win 1-0.”
READ MORE: What Daniel Farke has said on Harry Wilson’s struggles this season
Leeds need a result on Sunday
Just like last weekend, everyone says the pressure is not on Leeds to win. Sunderland have been poor this season and desperately need a win to get out of their current form.
Last weekend, everyone was looking to Farke’s side for a win over Man United and they disappointed.
This time around, they have a huge chance to get just their third win in the league this season.
Draws are a good way to earn points, but fans have not celebrated a win in a while and that will play on the minds of the team ahead of Sunday’s game.
