They may be going up as Championship league winners, but Leeds United don't have as good a chance of staying in the Premier League as Burnley, according to one former top-flight star. Former Aston Villa and West Ham midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker believes the Clarets and their defensive capabilities make them a much better prospect to survive the demands of the top division next season.
And while Reo-Coker is backing Scott parker's team over Daniel Farke's, Troy Deeney has fired a warning about the approach and style of play Leeds cannot afford to adopt if they are to beat the drop.
Speaking on CBS Sports, Deeney believes Leeds cannot think they can "out-football" opponents if they want to get results, suggesting they need to play a more traditional lower league style if they are to be a success. It's a sentiment that is not going to be popular with everyone, but one the ex-Watford striker feels is necessary.
He said: “The one thing I want to see from all the teams that go up, don’t go up and try and out-football all the Premier League teams. You cannot do it. Go there, beat them up, be aggressive, be physical, take your chances when you get the opportunity. And the most important part, enjoy the process.”
Reo-Coker reinforced Deeney's point, adding: “Defence wins Championships. Defence keeps you in the Premier League." The former midfield man believes keeping it tight at the back, which Burnley made their trademark on the way to promotion, is the key to staying up.
He added: “If you can have a solid defence and work off that foundation, and sprinkle that creativity, that freedom, higher up the pitch, and get you someone who you can rely on to get you maybe 10-15 goals a season, then you have half a chance of staying up.
“I would say that Burnley, for me, seem like one of the ones that’s equipped. Scott Parker has an identity there: very tough to beat, grind out results. I think what? 29 clean sheets or something this season.
“That is a great foundation to work for. You’re not going to have to change anything. He’s got a great chance. I think, for me, they’re the best equipped from what I’ve seen going up.”