Gary Lineker makes bold Leeds United and Sunderland relegation claim

Leeds United have taken major strides towards securing their Premier League status with a seven-game unbeaten run over the last month.

Despite that improved run of form coming to an end with a dramatic 4-3 defeat at Newcastle United on Wednesday night, Daniel Farke’s side will take a break from Premier League action and focus on the FA Cup third round tie with Derby County knowing they are sitting eight points clear of the relegation zone.

That is all a far cry from the situation Leeds found themselves in prior to their trip to Manchester City in late November. However, an improved second-half display against Pep Guardiola’s side that was triggered by a tactical tweak inspired an improved run of form that consisted of wins against the likes of Crystal Palace and Chelsea as well as draws against Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

After this Sunday’s FA Cup tie with Derby County, Leeds will return to Premier League action on Saturday, January 17 when when Fulham visit Elland Road, which will provide another opportunity to widen the gap to the bottom three. Former England captain Gary Lineker believes there is ‘every likelihood’ the Whites and Sunderland, who sit in mid-table following their defeat at Brentford, will preserve their Premier League status this season and insisted is can only be a good thing for the league.

Lineker said on the midweek episode of the Rest is Football podcast: “I think the good thing this season is that there’s every likelihood now that not just Leeds, because they do play some good stuff, but also Sunderland should stay up, should stay up comfortably. Given the nature of the bottom three at the moment, as well, which I think is good. We can’t keep having the promoted clubs immediately relegated every season, it would almost turn it into a closed shop.”

What did Daniel Farke say about Newcastle United 4-3 Leeds United?

Farke told the club website: “First of all, congratulations to Newcastle, many compliments I would say for both sides,” the German told the media after the full-time whistle. Both sides have played this game in the manner this game should be played – very passionate, very emotional, very attacking-minded. Of course, there were also a few mistakes on both sides, otherwise there wouldn’t be so many goals. This is what both teams have to accept in terms of criticism.

“I have to say that I am more than proud of the performance of my lads, and also the desire and belief and the bravery that we showed here today against a side that was playing on Champions League level. Then of course late heartbreak for my lads in the 90th or 91st minute, a handball given and then the last ten minutes was a bit like a basketball game. Of course if it is not a draw, one team was on the unlucky side.”

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