Premier League: Tension will be Palpable in Relegation Showdown

Leeds United vs Leicester City

If you had said to me a few weeks back that both these sides would be embroiled in a Premier League relegation battle, I wouldn’t have believed it.

Sure, Leeds’ bid to beat the drop was perhaps less surprising given they only preserved their Premier League status in the closing moments of last season.

But the arrival of Javi Gracia seemed to have steadied the ship to the extent that results improved a little.

Turning to Leicester City, it was unthinkable that a side which had secured successive fifth place finishes and a FA Cup triumph as recently as two years ago would be in this position.

Yet here we are with relegation a grim reality for one or both clubs after a season of, collectively, very few Premier League 2023 highlights.

Talking Points

Earlier this week, Gracia said he did not have an explanation for a defencive collapse which saw Leeds concede 11 goals in two games.

The interim manager, tasked with saving the club from relegation, had been faring quite well since succeeding Jesse Marsch.

Before Crystal Palace’s visit on Easter Day, Leeds had taken 10 points from the six games since he joined, with Marsch’s ultra-aggressive pressing tactics having been modified.

There was even a sense that a measure of understated on-pitch control had superseded some ill-camouflaged chaos.

Then they shipped five to Palace and six to Liverpool and had the worst defencive record in the top-flight.

He has a job on. In fact, in his own words: “I don’t have time for anything away from football’‘.

Regardless of this weekend’s results, the tension could well be palpable at Elland Road on Tuesday night.

In fact, with trips to Bournemouth, Manchester City, and West Ham, along with visits from Newcastle and Tottenham coming down the track, their fixture list looks also somewhat less sunny.

That means this contest could well be a six-pointer.

Despite being in the drop zone, Leicester could be forgiven for feeling slightly more upbeat.

The sacking of Brendan Rodgers may have been justified based on recent results – if not what he has achieved at the club over a longer period – but the decision to replace him with backroom staff for two winnable fixtures seemed a missed opportunity.

However, the appointment of Dean Smith makes eminent sense. He did a fine job at Aston Villa and Norwich, and the Foxes are hoping he can do the same for them at a ground where they have fared well in recent seasons.

He knows time is not on his side and there is a fine line between stressing urgency and urging calm.

Indeed, their season now boils down to seven matches in six weeks and this, either side of games against fellow strugglers Wolves and Everton, feel pronounced.

Leicester’s lack of investment last summer – concerned about financial fair play – has not helped their position, but the inquest needs to wait as the situation will surely worsen if they do not have Premier League football to look forward to next season.

Defeat in this contest and that will become an even more distinct possibility.

They will hope to welcome back Harvey Barnes for this game, but Jannik Vestergaard is out for the rest of the season due to a calf injury, while Ricardo Pereira, James Justin, and Ryan Bertrand were sidelined at the weekend.

Leeds welcomed back captain Liam Cooper, Max Wober, and Crysencio Summerville for their trip to Fulham and will hope they are again available for this one.

Every point can make the difference from here on in.

History

When they met earlier this season, Leicester ran out 2-0 home winners through an own goal and Barnes, both in the first half. They also won 1-0 at home last term when Barnes was again the goal-getter.

This corresponding fixture last season ended all square as Raphinha and Barnes scored within a minute of each other in a 1-1 draw.

The last time Leeds beat Leicester on home soil in the top-flight was in April 2004 as goals from Michael Duberry, Mark Viduka, and Alan Smith edged a five-goal thriller.

Overall, the clubs have met 128 times – their very first coming in 1920 when they played out a 1-1 draw in the then Division Two.

Leeds have 48 successes to their name, Leicester 46, and there have been 34 draws.

Betting Tip

The SBOTOP Premier League betting odds edge towards the hosts. Leeds are priced 1X2 @ 2.05 and Asian Handicap -0.50 is also @ 2.05.

The Foxes, meanwhile, are on offer 1X2 @ 3.10 and Asian Handicap +0.50 @ 1.85.

A repeat of last season’s draw will pay out @ 6.20 with Correct Score.

Given the regularity with which these teams are conceding goals, then over 2.75 will only earn you a pay day @ 1.92. There’s also total goal 0-1 @ 4.10, 2-3 @ 1.98 and 4-6 @ 3.00 to consider. There is so much at stake here and I feel that will be reflected in level pegging.

 

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