Here are your Leeds United morning headlines on January 3, 2023.
'Quality' West Ham tipped to beat 'unlucky' Leeds United ahead of clash
Former Liverpool midfielder and Premier League pundit Mark Lawrenson has predicted Leeds United to lose their match against West Ham tomorrow night despite 'doing well' against Newcastle United on New Year's Eve.
Since their return from the winter break, Jesse Marsch's side have undoubtedly had the two toughest fixtures in the forms of reigning champions Manchester City and Eddie Howe's Magpies who occupy second and third respectively.
However, Lawrenson claims that both games will have left the Whites winded and that they'll struggle against West Ham's 'quality' squad.
"Leeds were a little bit unlucky against Man City, and did well at Newcastle, but those two games could have really taken it out of them.
"West Ham are on a poor run but they’ll be fine. Two wins and they’d be in mid-table, and they’ve got the quality in the squad and know-how in the dugout.
"Leeds 0-2 West Ham."
Leeds United backed to end winless run to compound David Moyes' West Ham United misery
Chris Sutton has tipped Leeds United to get 2023 off to a flyer by beating West Ham. The first game of the new year sees two out-of-form sides go head-to-head at Elland Road.
Leeds are without a win in four games across all competitions while the Hammers have lost five consecutive Premier League fixtures. A much-improved performance saw Jesse Marsch’s side grind out a hard-fought 0-0 draw against high-flying Newcastle United on New Year’s Eve.
That result was the Whites' first clean sheet in nine matches and opened up a three-point cushion on the bottom three. Unlikely pre-season relegation candidates West Ham are now in the dogfight, sitting above the drop zone on goal difference.
Leeds United 'magician' told what he must do next to improve game by loan boss
Karl Robinson believes Lewis Bate is one of the best players he's coached but admits he must add goals to his game to take it to the next level. The 20-year-old, who is on a season-long loan from Leeds United, has impressed during his time with the League One outfit.
Having made 21 appearances in all competitions, Bate has become a key cog in Oxford's push to win promotion this season. The U's have struggled in recent weeks but remain just nine points adrift of the League One play-off places.
Robinson believes the Whites loanee with be a Premier League player in the future, but also needs to add creativity to his game. Bate has notched three assists in League One this season, and been dubbed a 'magician' by his loan manager.
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