Former Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard has labelled tonight’s match with Chelsea as must win for Leeds United. The Whites slipped into the relegation zone for the first time since October at the weekend after their 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates.
Just over a week ago, it was Everton who occupied the final spot in the bottom three, having sat five points behind both Leeds and Burnley. However, their good form has propelled them up to 16 th , and they now look very well set to remain in the division.
Leeds will move out of the bottom three this evening if they are able to avoid defeat against Chelsea, with Burnley not back in action until Sunday when they make the trip to Tottenham Hotspur. But if Leeds are beaten this evening, that would hand the Clarets a huge boost as they would have a game in hand, and a far superior goal difference.
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Speaking on the Premier League on NBC Podcast, Howard thinks it is now between just Leeds and Burnley for that final relegation spot and was quick to emphasise just how important tonight’s match is.
He said: “It’s huge because he’s [Ayling] a big, big player and he knows better than to get sent off in that fashion. But it’s going to get very difficult for Leeds, I think there are some winnable games - Watford, Brentford, Palace for Everton coming up - they’re going to pick up points and more than likely get to 40.
“If Leeds don’t beat Chelsea midweek, there’s so much pressure on them. They’re going to have keep pace with Burnley at this point because I think Everton stay up.”
