Chris Sutton and Paul Merson in agreement over Crystal Palace vs Leeds United outcome as 'worried' claim made
A look at the pundit predictions for Crystal Palace’s home clash with Leeds United.
Crystal Palace are back in Premier League action on Sunday when they face strugglers Leeds United. The Eagles picked up a big win last time out in the Premier League, moving up towards mid-table and even the top half, while they drew at home with Larnaca in the Conference League on Thursday night.
Leeds have slipped back towards danger, though they do still have a three-point lead over the bottom three. The Whites need a good run of results if they want to avoid a relegation battle down the stretch. Here we round up the pundit predictions from SportsKeeda’s Paul Merson and BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton.
Paul Merson
“Leeds United have been dragged back into the relegation battle. I would say that has happened quite unluckily because they have been playing well. It's just that West Ham and Nottingham Forest have started getting results.
“The problem with Leeds is that they can't score goals. Even against Manchester City, they created chances. If you want to stay up in this league, you need goals and they aren't getting enough. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is now starting to struggle by showing the form he had at the back end of his career at Everton.
“This is a huge game and a lot depends on how Crystal Palace perform in their Europa Conference League clash AEK Larnaca. That competition is their only chance of winning something. If they win 3-0 or 4-0, that's a problem for Leeds. If it is a tighter result, Oliver Glasner will rest players for the second leg.
“I have a feeling Leeds will avoid relegation. They are playing good football, unlike Tottenham! I'm expecting them to get a point in this one. Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-1 Leeds United.”
Chris Sutton
“Leeds hammered Crystal Palace 4-1 before Christmas but it will be much closer when they meet on Sunday. Palace seem to have stabilised again, and have picked up a couple of wins to give themselves some breathing space over the bottom three.
“Leeds are in much greater danger and I am a bit worried about them at the moment. They need to keep picking up positive results. I really feel for Daniel Farke because he has had a great season but they are only three points clear of the relegation zone, and they really need something from this game.
“There will be some goals in this, but I think the points will be shared. Prediction: 2-2.”