Leeds United head to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday for their third-to-last Premier League clash of the season.
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Chris Sutton believes Leeds United could be mathematically safe before kick-off at Tottenham Hotspur on Monday - a scenario which might play in the home side’s favour.
Leeds could head down to London on Monday night with their Premier League status confirmed for another year. The Whites are seven points clear of 18th-placed West Ham and will be out of reach if the Hammers lose their third-to-last game at home to Arsenal on Sunday.
Daniel Farke’s side have enjoyed a perfectly-timed run of form, taking 12 points from a six-game unbeaten run to pull clear of serious trouble. The same cannot be said of their hosts who despite back-to-back wins, sit just one point above the drop zone.
While Leeds won’t be rolling over for any of their final three games regardless of what’s on the line, Tottenham are still fighting for their Premier League lives. And Sutton believes that extra edge should pull Roberto De Zerbi’s side over the line on Monday.
In his predictions column for BBC Sport, Sutton wrote: “Leeds are all but safe now and they could be absolutely sure of staying up by the time they play this game. That scenario would definitely suit Spurs, but I am going to back Roberto de Zerbi's side here regardless.
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“What a performance that was by them at Villa last week. People have criticised Villa, but that display and result felt enormous for Tottenham. It took them out of the bottom three and meant Spurs, at last, have got a bit of momentum after winning two league games in a row for the first time since August.
“I am expecting more of the same here, so I am going to say they will make it three wins on the spin with the same scoreline that saw them win at Elland Road in October. Sutton's prediction: 2-1.”
Paul Merson disagrees as Leeds United backed
There is an argument to be made the other way, however, with Leeds potentially able to enjoy the freedom of being safe while their hosts have pressure. And with Farke’s side in a great run of form, Paul Merson expects them to hand out a big relegation battle blow.
“Leeds have been outstanding in recent weeks,” the former Arsenal midfielder told Sportskeeda. “Barring the FA Cup semi-final loss to Chelsea, they have lost just one out of their last nine games. If Leeds are in the mood, they can hurt Tottenham. There's no doubt about it.
“If Leeds were still heavily involved in the relegation battle, they would have been a huge test for Tottenham. Now I fear they might take the foot off the gas against Spurs on Monday. This is a hard game to call. Even if West Ham lose to Arsenal, Tottenham should win this game.
“They cannot let the relegation battle go down to the final day of the season. I don't expect Spurs to beat Chelsea in the next game. So this is a hugely-important fixture for them. I just can't back them against Leeds though, I think they lose this one! Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Leeds United.”