admin“Lost faith” – Chris Sutton makes big claim on Leeds United’s survival hopes this weekend
Leeds United head to Crystal Palace this Sunday looking to reverse their poor away form under Daniel Farke.
With just nine games remaining in the Premier League, the margin for error is razor-thin. Recent results from West Ham and Nottingham Forest have tightened the bottom-of-the-table battle.
Sitting only three points above the relegation zone, Farke will be desperate to start collecting wins on the road. Leeds have taken the lead in three of their last four away league matches, yet haven’t managed to turn any into victories.
“It will be much closer” – Chris Sutton predicts tight clash against Crystal Palace
The last meeting between the sides, back in December, saw Leeds thrash Palace 4-1 at Elland Road, during a hectic spell for Oliver Glasner. But pundit Chris Sutton doesn’t expect a repeat this weekend.
Palace’s Europa Conference League stalemate last night, fielding a near full-strength team, may have drained some of their energy. Sutton anticipates a closer contest, predicting a 2-2 draw.
“Leeds hammered Crystal Palace 4-1 before Christmas, but it will be much closer on Sunday,” Sutton wrote for the BBC. “Palace appear more stable now, having picked up a few wins to create breathing space from the bottom three. Leeds, meanwhile, are in real danger and need to continue collecting positive results.
“I feel for Daniel Farke – he’s had a strong season, but being only three points clear of relegation means this game is crucial. I expect goals, but probably a shared spoils scenario.”
Sutton predicts other key relegation battles
Sutton also shared his thoughts on other fixtures involving Leeds’ relegation rivals, with attention still focused on West Ham, Nottingham Forest, and Spurs.
Forest host Marco Silva’s Fulham at the same time as Leeds, and Sutton expects a 1-1 draw. “They got a good draw against Manchester City recently, but what Forest really need is a win. Vitor Pereira still hasn’t won a Premier League match this season after 11 attempts with Wolves and Forest, and I don’t see them taking this chance,” he said.
Meanwhile, Spurs travel to Anfield without Micky van de Ven and potentially without Cristian Romero and Joao Palhinha. Sutton predicts Liverpool to secure a comfortable 2-0 victory despite their Champions League commitments.
“Liverpool aren’t flawless either, and Spurs could theoretically nick a result given their poor performance in Turkey recently. But with Arne Slot focused on the Galatasaray second leg, a Spurs win seems unlikely,” he added.
Should these predictions hold, Leeds would sit four points above the bottom three on 32 points, with Forest drawing level with Spurs on 29.
Farke must show bravery in Leeds’ remaining away fixtures
Despite concerns, Leeds should approach this Palace clash with confidence. The Eagles were recently beaten by Burnley at Selhurst Park, and morale doesn’t seem to have lifted much for Glasner. A goalless draw in their Europa Conference League fixture, with key starters playing the full 90 minutes, works in Leeds’ favor.
Farke has shown in 2026, against Newcastle, Everton, and Aston Villa, that his initial game plans are capable of setting up wins. However, his substitutions and approach when leading haven’t been bold enough to see games out.
Leeds arguably should have won all three of those matches, leaving them with just two points to show for their efforts. Turning that cautiousness into bravery on the road will be key, starting at Crystal Palace.
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