The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Friday 20th May) It's out of our hands now
Good Morning. It's Friday 20th May, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
It's out of our hands now
Everton came from two - nil down to beat Crystal Palace after staging a remarkable second half comeback last night at Goodison Park. The result guarantees their top flight status for another season. Meanwhile, Burnley battled their way to a 1-1 draw at Villa Park. Michael Jackson's side took an unlikely lead on the stroke of half-time after Cornet was hacked down in the penalty box. Ashley Barnes sent the keeper the wrong way from twelve yards.
Although Emi Buendia equalised early in the second half, Villa were unable to find a way past Pope, who continued to pull off a string of World Class saves to keep the visitors in the game. Although level on points, Burnley, superior goal difference gives them a massive advantage. They only have to match the number of points Leeds pick-up on Sunday to guarantee Premier League football next season.
Odds slashed in relegation scrap
Leading bookmakers Bet365 have slashed the odds for Leeds to go down, following Burnley's 1-1 draw last night at Villa Park. In a two horse race, Leeds are now 4/11 to get relegated, compared to their Lancashire neighbours who are 2/1.
Will Leeds bounce back up
In the likelihood that nature takes its course on Sunday, what are the chances that Leeds will bounce back up again? Many of the players who won promotion two years ago are sill at the club, but that's not to say they are still good enough to repeat the feat. Over the years, many teams have proved to be too strong for the Championship, and have gone straight back up again, but they have been plenty that haven't.
The parachute payments will obviously give the three relegated clubs an advantage over the rest of the Championship, but we must not forget that Leeds are likely to lose their best players this Summer, and whilst we have some exciting talent in the wings, they were not strong enough for Premier League 2, so how would they fare in a very physical Championship? Many of the players are now past their prime, and although their experience would be invaluable in the second tier, you have to ask yourself whether Marsch needs to clear the decks, and start again?
