When Leeds United can be mathematically safe by after a fresh boost.
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Leeds United have received another boost on the back of Friday night’s win against Burnley - but when can the Whites be mathematically safe from relegation by?
Leeds kicked nine points clear of third-bottom Tottenham Hotspur with Friday’s 3-1 win against the Clarets at Elland Road but with Tottenham having four games left to play as opposed to United’s three.
Spurs could now move back within six points of Leeds with a victory from Sunday evening’s 7pm kick-off at Aston Villa but defeat would leave them nine points behind with just three games remaining.
Tottenham - who Leeds visit next Monday night - also have a minus five worse goal difference than Leeds so even a 1-0 defeat would make that minus six but ultimately Leeds would still not be mathematically safe, albeit just about.
Instead, it is the fresh boost of fourth-bottom West Ham’s 3-0 defeat at Brentford on Saturday that has now presented the possibility of Farke’s side being mathematically safe before they even visit Tottenham next Monday night.
Win for title-chasers makes Leeds mathematically safe
Saturday’s defeat to the Bees has left fourth-bottom West Ham seven points behind Leeds with three games to play but the Irons face an almighty task in their next game when they host title-chasing Arsenal next Sunday afternoon in a 4.30pm kick-off.
Unless Manchester City drop points at Everton on Monday, Arsenal must win at West Ham to keep their title destiny in their own hands and a Gunners win would make Leeds mathematically safe from relegation with three games left to play.
A win for Mikel Arteta’s men would leave Leeds seven points ahead of the Irons who would have just two games left.
Considering West Ham’s minus 19 goal difference, even a draw would realistically leave Leeds safe as the Irons would be required to win both of their remaining games against Newcastle and Leeds whilst making up 14 goals on the goal difference front.
Tottenham, meanwhile, would have to beat Leeds and also Chelsea and Everton to stand any chance of finishing above the Whites if they lose at Villa on Sunday night, even if Leeds fail to pick up one more point.
As such, it would feel like the Whites were pretty much safe should Villa beat them.
But mathematically speaking, next Sunday afternoon presents the first opportunity for the Whites to know for definite they are mathematically safe.