As if being two points clear of safety going into the final day weren’t bad enough, Leeds United might need a goal difference swing to go in their favour even if they were to find a way to beat Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road on Sunday afternoon.
If Everton were to draw with Bournemouth, a United victory would only be enough if they won by three clear goals or more (and that’s all assuming that Leicester City also dropped points at home to West Ham United). What are the chances they might be able to do that? No, seriously: what are the chances?
Well, the good news is that Spurs have one of the worst defensive records in the division away from home this season, shipping 37 goals in 18 games on their travels, and that has been a particular issue over the past couple of months.
Read more: Sam Allardyce has made a Leeds United rod for his own back after taking excessive risk
Since mid-March, Spurs have drawn 3-3 at Southampton and 1-1 at Everton, then lost 6-1 at Newcastle, 4-3 at Liverpool and 2-1 away to Aston Villa – a massive 16 goals conceded in just five away games.
Unfortunately, those scorelines are not entirely indicative of a side that Leeds can just pick off at will, with the managerless side’s trip to St James’ Park the only time they have lost by more than a single goal despite their woeful form at the back.
That’s unsurprising, given they boast attacking talents like Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min…and of course there has been no home side in the division more porous as Leeds United, either over the course of the whole campaign or on recent form, with Crystal Palace and Liverpool handing out a pair of particularly painful batterings.
But it nonetheless suggests there are weaknesses in the Spurs rearguard that Sam Allardyce can look to exploit on the final day as they look not only to claim victory, but to make up the goal difference they might end up needing to overtake Everton…but only if the Whites boss can find a way to do so without making his side far too open at the other end.
That’s a tall order, alright. Stranger things have happened. Still, United fans would be better off having everything crossed that Bournemouth can do them a bigger favour than just taking a single point at Goodison Park.
READ NEXT
Can Joe Gelhardt return to Leeds United squad for final day decider with Sunderland season over?
Charlie Cresswell has chance to prove Leeds United credentials ahead of European Championships
- Leeds United transfer rumours as Aston Villa target Rodrigo move and Marc Roca La Liga return mooted
- Leeds United headlines as Joe Gelhardt sends Sunderland message and transfer dates confirmed
- Leeds United's implosion against Crystal Palace the beginning of the end in bleak campaign
