Leeds United suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season over the weekend.
However, despite losing 2-1 to Arsenal, the Whites are still sitting in 7th place.
With it being our second season back in the Premier League, there’s been a lot more talk between fans and pundits alike regarding whether or not we can challenge to qualify for Europe this season.
Although we lost at the Emirates, going toe-to-toe with the champions and outplaying them for 60 minutes or so should give supporters more faith that qualifying for Europe is a real possibility this season.
A former Chelsea star also recently commented on the possibility of Leeds getting back into Europe this campaign. However, he was not as optimistic.
Joe Cole believes it is ‘not realistic’ for Leeds to qualify for Europe
Joe Cole, along with Martin Keown, sang United’s praises for the performance they put in against Arsenal.
However, when Cole was asked whether he believes the Whites could qualify for Europe this season, he was not entirely convinced.
“I would not say it is realistic for Leeds to get to Europe this season. But I would say that it’s possible”, Cole said whilst on punditry duties for TNT Sports.
Despite feeling like Europe is a bridge too far for this Leeds side at the moment, Cole believes Daniel Farke has done an exceptional job in West Yorkshire and his team is capable of causing trouble for a lot of sides.
“Daniel Farke has done a great job. When Leeds came up, I think they looked at those teams that have tried to play football at this level and opted against that.
“They have recruited size, and they have become very good at attacking and defending set pieces.
“There are goals in the team and undoubted quality. But I just think Europe will be a touch too far for them this season.”
Leeds have an opportunity to put a real marker down this weekend
I still think qualifying for Europe this season is a little premature for this Leeds side. But I certainly think they are capable of being in and amongst it.
In order to finish in the upper echelons of the Premier League, United need to be beating some of the teams that will likely be in and around the top six come the end of the season.
Against Arsenal, Leeds were very unlucky to return to West Yorkshire empty-handed.
But this Sunday, we are facing another team that is likely to be in the European spots come the end of the season: our bitter rivals, Man United.
Taking on Arsenal at the Emirates was a frightening prospect. However, Man U are in the midst of a dreadful run of form.
They are winless in their last four outings and have to travel to take on Atletico Madrid in the Champions League before they come to Elland Road.
Farke’s men should be smelling blood in the water. If they are at their physical and intense best against a side who are criticised for not running, there’s a chance we could do a demolition job on the team we hate the most.
This would give the players even more faith that qualifying for Europe is not this completley unattainable goal.