Daniel Farke’s Leeds United side have defied expectations in the Premier League this season and are now well placed to retain their top-flight status.
Leeds were widely tipped for relegation after promotion, with Farke’s record at Norwich City frequently cited as a reason for scepticism around both the manager and the squad.
However, the Whites have opened up an eight-point cushion over the relegation zone, prompting a notable change in tone from pundits. Both Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker have already performed a dramatic U-turn on their pre-season predictions for Farke’s team.
Leeds are set to face Fulham at Elland Road on Saturday in a game that has already attracted some weird predictions. However, Paul Merson has added more spice to what he thinks could happen this weekend.
Paul Merson makes an odd Leeds United vs Fulham prediction
Merson has admitted that Leeds should have shut up shop and left Newcastle with a point after Bruno Guimaraes made it 3-3 at St. James’ Park.
He believes that if Leeds lose against Fulham on Saturday, then they will be back in the talk around relegation, while a win will almost certainly guarantee them safety for one more season in the Premier League.
The former Arsenal man is expecting an entertaining game and feels Fulham will leave Elland Road with a point in their bag this weekend.
Merson said on Sportskeeda: “You know what worried me about Leeds against Newcastle the other day? They kept going for it. They were playing well and kept going in for more. I think they should have just tried to settle for a point there.
“Now that Leeds have lost that game, I hope it doesn’t come back to bite them again. They should have just shut up and shop at 3-3 and walked away from St. James’ Park with a draw.
“This is a massive game for Leeds. If they lose to Fulham, they are back in the battle to avoid relegation. Fulham look confident now. Harry Wilson looks like someone who is going to score every time he walks onto the pitch!
“A win for Leeds would ensure safety, in my opinion. They are already eight points clear of West Ham. If they get three points and West Ham lose this weekend, the gap becomes 11 points.
“For the record, West Ham have won just three games in 21 games this season. So essentially, the Hammers will have to win four games from the remaining 16 and Leeds should basically lose all the upcoming matches for them to survive. That tells you everything!
“I expect Leeds to score and give away chances to Fulham. This could be an entertaining watch.
“Prediction: Leeds United 2-2 Fulham.”
Merson is wrong, Leeds should be the favourites at home
Fulham needed an injury-time own goal from Gabriel Gudmundsson earlier in the season to beat Leeds at Craven Cottage. The Whites are a different team from then.
Leeds have shown resilience, fight, and more importantly, attacking teeth in the last few weeks to score points and trouble some of the more established Premier League sides.
| Pos | Club | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Bournemouth | 21 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 34 | 40 | -6 | 26 |
| 16 | Leeds United | 21 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 29 | 37 | -8 | 22 |
| 17 | Nottingham Forest | 21 | 6 | 3 | 12 | 21 | 34 | -13 | 21 |
| 18 | West Ham | 21 | 3 | 5 | 13 | 22 | 43 | -21 | 14 |
| 19 | Burnley | 21 | 3 | 4 | 14 | 22 | 41 | -19 | 13 |
| 20 | Wolves | 21 | 1 | 4 | 16 | 15 | 41 | -26 | 7 |
At Elland Road, Leeds have looked imperious at home, and no matter what anyone says, they should be favourites to beat Fulham on Saturday.
Merson is right on one point, though – Leeds may more or less seal Premier League survival if they win and West Ham continue to flounder this weekend.
