Leeds United were able to breathe a welcome sigh of relief when the final whistle blew against Bournemouth. Jesse Marsch's side were able to register back-to-back wins in the Premier League to lift them away from the relegation zone.
A spirited display against Tottenham Hotspur has kept the wolves away from the door, after a number of supporters called for the head coach to be sacked after a dismal run of form. Instead, the club stood by their man and the Whites were able to get the important results to alleviate any pressure.
With the winter break for the World Cup in Qatar, Leeds will now be able to get players back to full fitness and work on things on the training ground. The Whites could not have a tougher fixture when they return to Premier League action, with Manchester City rolling into town.
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However, there are a favourable run of games on the horizon for Marsch and Leeds in the New Year. The Whites have arguably two free hits when they return, taking on City and then high flying Newcastle at St. James' Park before needing to get down to business.
There are five key games that Leeds should target maximum points in, to pull away from the bottom three. Starting on the road at David Moyes' West Ham United.
The Whites host the Hammers on January 4 at Elland Road, followed up by a trip to Unai Emery's Aston Villa on January 13, with both sides in and around Leeds at the time of writing. Then, Marsch will be keen to get revenge on Brentford for the 5-2 defeat, when they play the reverse fixture at Elland Road on January 22.
Leeds then travel to Nottingham Forest on February 4, looking to pile further misery at the City Ground. A clash against Manchester United follows, before two more favourable games against Everton at Goodison Park on February,18, and then Southampton at Elland Road on February, 25.
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