The changes Sam Allardyce has made to Leeds United has made it 'easier to fight' for Premier League survival, according to Peter Schmeichel. The former Manchester United goalkeeper may have played the majority of his career in England for Leeds' rivals at Old Trafford, but the big Dane is backing the Whites to beat the drop.
Allardyce may have seen Leeds pick up just one point from his two games in charge so far, but the battling nature of the performances against Manchester City and Newcastle have encouraged many fans. Whether it comes too late to save their Premier League future remains to be seen, and with just two games of the season remaining, Leeds are in the bottom three.
There is hope, of course, with Allardyce's men travelling to West Ham on Sunday before hosting Tottenham on the final day. Both opposition are likely to have nothing to play for but pride, with the Hammers potentially having one eye on a Europa Conference League final.
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Schmeichel feels the more direct tactics Allardyce had adopted in his short time at Elland Road has made the Whites more competitive, and given the players more change to fight - something he feels will pay off.
“I feel that Leeds, they can find a way out of this," he told the Final Word. "The way they played the other day, the way Sam is lining them up, they’re not playing out from the back – they’re playing more long-ball and it is easier to fight this way isn’t it.
“Instead of having to play your way out, it’s much easier to kick the ball up and see if you can win the second ball. Then you can defend further up the pitch. I have a feeling that Leeds are going to get out of it."
Two of Leeds' relegation rivals are in action on Saturday, with Everton hosting Wolves (3pm) and Nottingham Forest taking on Arsenal at the City Ground (5.30pm). Leicester City travel to St James' Park to play Newcastle on Monday night.
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