Leeds United manager Daniel Farke, Tim Sherwood in a circular insert.
Leeds United found some relief when they managed a 3-1 victory against fellow strugglers, Nottingham Forest.
The roar that greeted the final whistle at Elland Road on Friday night was one of relief. Leeds United’s 3-1 dismantling of Nottingham Forest ensured they picked up a massive three points in the Premier League survival. Daniel Farke’s side made an emphatic statement against one of their direct rivals.
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After the game, pundit Tim Sherwood expressed his confidence in the West Yorkshire club about where this result leaves the Whites in the table.
Sherwood praised Farke for turning things around, but also issued a stern test ahead.
Tim Sherwood writes off Leeds’ chances in the next three fixtures
Analysing the performance whilst on punditry duties for Premier League productions, Sherwood focused on the significance of the three points against a direct relegation rival.
“They will not win the next three games,” he stated, referencing the daunting upcoming fixtures against Chelsea, Aston Villa and Manchester City, “but that is why it was so important that they won this game today.”
Beating Forest was non-negotiable, as Leeds simply had to take maximum points to bank before a brutal stretch.
Sherwood’s forecast sees Leeds United securing their Premier League status, but not without further anxiety. “They’re going to limp over the line from there,” he predicted, adding that a home game against Sunderland after these three massive games will represent a key opportunity for Leeds.
“They play Sunderland at home, they’ll win that one, and they’ll pretty much be over the line.”
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Elland Road will play a key role in helping Leeds avoid the drop
If Sherwood’s prediction is correct, then another home win for Leeds against Sunderland would be a massive step in the right direction.
Leeds have a brilliant home record this season, with 22 points from 13 games, putting them 11th in the table on home form.
Leeds’ remaining fixtures at Elland Road this season
Manchester City
Sunderland
Brentford
Wolves
Burnley
Brighton
If Leeds were to beat Sunderland, then Wolves and Burnley, who would effectively be relegated by the time Leeds play them, then Farke’s men could pick up the only remaining points they need to stay up at Elland Road.
Another win against a Brighton team who would likely not have anything to play for is also a realistic possibility, so despite the next three Leeds fixtures being tricky, United firmly have their survival chances in their own hands.
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