“They can still achieve automatic promotion but If they don’t turn this around, then they won’t go up automatically and they’ll find themselves in the lottery”- Paul Merson mentions the one crucial thing Leeds need to change to secure automatic PL promotion this season
Paul Merson believes Leeds United need to turn around their away form if they are to challenge for an automatic promotion place this season.
Speaking on Sky Sports News on Monday, the pundit said the difference between the Whites’ form on the road compared to their impressive showings at Elland Road is the atmosphere created by the fans.
He added that Daniel Farke’s side need to “take a chance” away and play like they do at home, otherwise, he doesn’t believe they will finish in the top two this season.
“For Leeds, you can’t argue with their home form,” said host Julian Warren. “I mean, they’ve won nine, four draws, unbeaten there. Their away form, though, only five wins on their travels. They’ve lost six games away from Elland Road. Can you explain the difference between the two?”
“No, I can only say the fans,” responded Merson. “I think it’s a bit like Newcastle up in the Premier League. It’s different playing there. I always find when Leeds play and I watch them at home, they’re like Newcastle, they go for you.
“They play with a high tempo for 20 minutes and try and get on top. Don’t feel they play like that away from home. I think that’s what they’ve got to do, try and take a chance away from home. Instead of playing steady, play like they do at home.
“It’s easier said than done when you’ve got a crowd like that behind you, but that’s what they’ve probably got to do. They can still achieve automatic promotion but If they don’t turn that away form around, they won’t go up automatically and then they’ll be in the lottery.”
It must be incredibly frustrating for Farke to see his side consistently be so good at home, but continue to falter away in games where they’d expect to pick up a result.
The atmosphere created at Elland Road probably does have something to do with it as the fans make it a hostile place for the away sides to play at.
But it’s bizarre that two of their five victories on the road, however, did come against Leicester City and Ipswich Town – the top two in the Championship.
While the Foxes appear to be racing off into the sunset at the top of the table, the Tractor Boys are certainly there to be caught after failing to win any of their past five matches.
If the Whites can find some way to pick up more points away from home, then they will be in contention come May, but it does seem like a difficult ask at this moment in time.
