adminGary Neville admits surprise Leeds United u-turn as he predicts Crystal Palace clash
Leeds United are back in action on Saturday for their penultimate match of 2025, welcoming Crystal Palace to Elland Road as the Eagles battle through a congested run of fixtures.
Daniel Farke’s side return home riding a three-game unbeaten streak. A surprise victory over Chelsea was followed by an eye-catching draw with Liverpool at Elland Road, before another solid point away at Brentford.
Those results have lifted the mood around the club, eased pressure on Farke, and reignited belief that Leeds can carry this momentum through the remainder of the year, starting with Palace and then Sunderland.
Palace, meanwhile, arrive depleted, missing six senior players including key figures Ismaila Sarr, Daichi Kamada and Daniel Muñoz. Leeds could also be short-handed with up to three absentees, but the Whites have gained an unexpected admirer in Gary Neville.
Gary Neville and Ian Wright split on Leeds v Palace
Neville has been increasingly impressed by Leeds’ recent performances, suggesting their upturn in form has boosted their survival hopes and may have forced the 49ers to rethink any plans to dismiss Farke this month.
On Thursday, Neville and Ian Wright offered contrasting predictions for Saturday night’s clash on Stick to Football. Palace face European action against KuPS on Thursday evening, leaving them with just 48 hours to recover before travelling to Yorkshire.
Neville admitted Leeds’ resurgence has changed his outlook, backing a 2-1 home win, while Wright narrowly favoured Palace in a 3-2 thriller.
“Leeds look a lot better, by the way. Leeds have turned my head,” Neville said. Wright responded: “Leeds away is tough, but I fancy Palace to do something. The atmosphere there is so good. If Palace can see that off.”
After weighing it up, Wright added: “They keep coming, Leeds. I’m thinking out loud. I’m going Palace, 3-2.” Neville stuck to his call, replying: “Leeds are high energy. 2-1 Leeds.”
Beating Palace could push Leeds towards survival
A victory over Palace would significantly strengthen Leeds’ position in the relegation battle. Wolves appear doomed, while Burnley have fallen six points adrift of Leeds in 19th, leaving the fight to avoid 18th likely between just a few sides.
West Ham currently occupy that spot, with Leeds three points clear in 17th and Nottingham Forest five points ahead in 16th. Crucially, West Ham travel to Manchester City on Saturday, a fixture in which they are widely expected to struggle.
If Leeds take advantage and win, they could stretch their cushion over West Ham to six points and even leapfrog Forest, who face Fulham on Monday night.
With so much at stake, Saturday’s showdown at Elland Road looms as a massive moment in Leeds United’s survival bid.
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