Former Premier League forward Gabriel Agbonlahor has predicted whether Leeds United can pull off an away win over Burnley this weekend.
Daniel Farke has overseen a promising start to Leeds’ Premier League return, having claimed eight points from the first seven games of the season.
However, with a punishing run of fixtures looming on the horizon in November and early December, Leeds’ game against Burnley represents an important opportunity to pick up points.
Ahead of the game, Burnley boss Scott Parker singled out the threat posed by Leeds forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a concern for his side, as the Leeds man looks to continue his strong personal run against the Clarets.
Now, former Villa striker Agbonlahor has delivered his verdict on the crucial relegation battle, predicting a surprise outcome that Leeds fans will not like.
Gabriel Agbonlahor before the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Liverpool.
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Gabby Agbonlahor delivers Burnley vs Leeds United prediction
The Opta Supercomputer predicted a Burnley win when Leeds travel to Turf Moor, and Agbonlahor has agreed with that verdict.
Speaking on TalkSport Breakfast alongside former Tottenham player Jamie O’Hara, Agbonlahor explained that he backs Burnley to pick up a result in what he believes is a must-win game for the home side.
The former Villa man said: “I look at Leeds and their first seven games, I would say Leeds, come the end of the season, will be there or thereabouts to stay up. If five teams can go down, they will still be battling. They could go either way.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
“I don’t see them being cut adrift, I really don’t see it this season. I think there’s going to be a good five or six teams that are down there battling it out.
“Burnley are four points behind Leeds on four points. They need a result. If you’re playing a relegation rival at home in the league, you have to get a result; these are games that you have to win.
“I do fancy Burnley to get a result, even though they were very poor against Villa. They played the five at the back, and it was so easy for Malen to get through and score the brace that he scored, but at home I fancy Burnley.”
Daniel Farke gestures during Leeds United FC v Burnley FC - Sky Bet Championship
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Leeds United need to get ahead of the survival run rate
The points total needed to survive in the Premier League has been below average in recent seasons as the newly-promoted sides have suffered a well-documented struggle.
However, the evidence from the start of the current season suggests that a higher final points total will be needed to ensure safety in the Premier League.
Farke has a track record of setting an overall points per game total, having regularly referred to the need for a minimum of two points per game to ensure promotion from the Championship.
Premier League points total for 18th place in the last 5 seasons:
Leicester City – 25
Luton Town – 26
Leicester City – 34
Burnley – 35
Fulham – 28
That target will be revised down for Premier League survival, with one point per game, for a final total of 38 points, likely to be enough to guarantee safety.
With eight points from seven games, Leeds are tracking above that mark. However, with games against Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool on the horizon, it is imperative that Farke’s side gets ahead of this run rate to give themselves breathing space in those difficult games.