BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson has stated that he expects Leeds United to lose their upcoming Premier League fixture.
Up to this point in the season, Marcelo Bielsa and co have suffered a somewhat indifferent season, with 22 points from 21 games leaving them stuck in 15th spot of the league table.
Now, it looks as though they could be set for another disappointing display, with Lawrenson stating that he expects them to lose their next outing by a scoreline of 2-1 to Aston Villa.
Indeed, while making his prediction on the BBC, the pundit outlined why he felt the game would go the way of the Villans.
He said: “Leeds are still missing Patrick Bamford and I don’t think they will really get going until he returns, hopefully by the end of this month.
“Aston Villa, in contrast, are flying at the moment. Even when they’ve lost under Steven Gerrard, they have played well and they are looking up the table while Leeds are still glancing over their shoulder.”
Will Leeds lose to Aston Villa?
Yes
No
TIF Thoughts on Mark Lawrenson’s Leeds United prediction…
It’s interesting that Lawrenson points to the absence of Bamford potentially playing a big part in the game. Sadly for Leeds fans and players alike, the England striker looks like he could remain on the sidelines for some time yet.
Indeed, speaking ahead of the game, Bielsa explained that the club ‘cannot predict’ when the striker will return to the side as his injury ‘hasn’t improved’.
The injury has limited Bamford to just six Premier League outings last season, where he has only scored twice. Villa, on the other hand, have two proven options in the squad available for them up front in Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins.
Perhaps one of those two players will end up being the difference on the day. We shall all soon find out.
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