Leeds United are back in Premier League action this weekend, with the Whites taking on Crystal Palace.
Daniel Farke and Co. will be aware of the significance of this game and how it could ultimately turn the Premier League relegation battle on its head.
If United managed to pick up their second away win of the season, then all of a sudden, Leeds supporters will begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel, given the favourable fixtures they still have to come at Elland Road.
Paul Merson recently had his say on Farke’s side, with the former Arsenal player sharing what currently concerns him about Leeds.
‘They can’t score goals…’ – Paul Merson gives honest Leeds assessment
With a frustrating defeat to Sunderland in Leeds’ last Premier League outing, the gap between themselves and the drop zone was cut to three points.
In his recent column for SportsKeeda, Merson claimed that Leeds have been unlucky to be dragged back into the relegation battle, with the Whites performing well against the likes of Manchester City despite losing.
However, the former England international believes a lack of spark in the final third is beginning to prove costly for Leeds.
“The problem with Leeds is that they can’t score goals. Even against Manchester City, they created chances. If you want to stay up in this league, you need goals, and they aren’t getting enough.
“Dominic Calvert-Lewin is now starting to struggle by showing the form he had at the back end of his career at Everton.”
Despite this, Merson still predicts Leeds to pick up a valuable point on the road against Palace and ultimately avoid relegation.
“I have a feeling Leeds will avoid relegation. They are playing good football, unlike Tottenham! I’m expecting them to get a point in this one,” Merson said.
Data suggests Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been struggling recently
If Leeds are to pick up a point as Merson predicts, it will be essential that Calvert-Lewin can convert any chance that falls his way during the game at Selhurst Park.
Whilst Merson’s comments about Calvert-Lewin may be slightly exaggerated, with the Englishman still being an integral part of this Leeds side with his hold-up play, the goals have undeniably dried up as of late for the striker.
- Calvert-Lewin has scored just one goal in his last eight appearances in all competitions
- This goal came at the start of February in the win against Nottingham Forest at Elland Road
- Calvert-Lewin has only scored twice since the turn of the year (Sofascore)
After netting a brace against Palace back in December during the 4-1 win, Calvert-Lewin should be entering the game this weekend full of confidence and hopefully, for Leeds’ sake, he can get his name back on the scoresheet once again.
