Leeds United's resurgence under Jesse Marsch continued with a 3-0 win away at Watford, another side battling to retain their Premier League status. Every win is crucial when relegation is a mathematical possibility at this stage of the season but Everton's win over Manchester United in the lunchtime kick-off had put the pressure firmly on Leeds.
The Whites still sit in 16th with a five-point lead over 17th-placed Everton, although their lead over 19th-placed Watford is now a comfortable 11 points long. 18th place is occupied by Burnley, who are set to visit rock-bottom and seemingly doomed Norwich City. They have played three less matches than Leeds although now have a nine-point gap to close and will have to embark on a run of scintillating form in order to leapfrog Marsch's men.
A handful of sides above Leeds are not in immediate danger but could still slip into the fight and if Brentford lose to West Ham United in their next game, they will be level with the Whites on both points and number of games played. Newcastle United are only one point ahead of Leeds and Brentford as it stands, despite their win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the first Premier League game of the weekend.
Read more: 'Held our nerve' - Leeds United supporters make survival statement after Watford win
The run-ins of the sides still embroiled in the battle will certainly play a part in the make-up of the bottom three after all games are completed and Leeds do not have the easiest of schedules. A trip to Crystal Palace is up next for the Whites and will be followed by clashes with Premier League heavyweights Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea.
Fortunately for Leeds, they are not the only side preparing for some stern tests at the business end of the season. Everton will face Leicester City twice and sandwiched between the two meetings with the Foxes are clashes with Liverpool and Chelsea.
Burnley's run-in appears slightly less tough but the Clarets have struggled for form all season and it is difficult to see them returning home from trips to West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa with points in the bag.
Regardless of who their rivals have to face before the season ends, the upturn in form under Marsch means Leeds are well-placed to secure another season of top flight football. However, their recent run of games without defeat will not be enough to keep them clear of the bottom three and they cannot afford to be on the beach just yet.
We want to hear your thoughts, so LOG IN and leave your comment below
