PAUL MERSON GIVES FRANK LEEDS ASSESSMENT AHEAD OF BURNLEY TEST
Paul Merson predicts a tough season for Leeds United, stating they will be "in the bottom five or six all season" despite their strong start. He forecasts a 1-1 draw with Burnley.
Despite Leeds United's strong start to their Premier League comeback this season, Paul Merson still thinks the team may have a challenging season ahead of them.
This season, Daniel Farke's side has only lost three games and amassed eight points from the first seven games.
This season, the West Yorkshire powerhouses have demonstrated that they are not merely there to fill the stats; instead, they will compete for every point in every match.
Their 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur before the international break made that evident, but what does Merson think they can accomplish against Burnley?
Paul Merson thinks Leeds United will be in the running for relegation all season. Although Burnley and Leeds United were both recently promoted, Merson told SportsKeeda that he expects a 1-1 draw.
"I do not believe Burnley has started yet. Even though they are only four points ahead of Leeds, if you only consider performances, there is a lot of difference between the two teams.
Thus far this season, Leeds has easily outperformed the other team. Leeds will win this game if they play as well as they did against Wolves.
"Based on their first seven games this season, Leeds has demonstrated that, in contrast to Burnley, they have what it takes to survive in the Premier League. To be completely honest, though, I am unable to identify a clear winner in this case.
"And both Burnley and Leeds will be in the bottom five or six all season if it turns out to be a draw like I believe!"
Merson is not the only commentator who thinks these two clubs will split the points; Chris Sutton also thinks there will be no goals.
A win might move Leeds into the top half of the standings, demonstrating how close things are right now, even though splitting the points would put the Whites in the bottom five.
At this point, Leeds United's current situation is worse than their last Premier League run.
Leeds United will be working hard to keep their Premier League membership because they are one of the largest clubs in England in terms of history and fan support.
They are currently in a worse position than they were when they were in the division last, though.
Given that they were still relegated that season, it is worrying that the Whites presently have three fewer points after seven games than they had during the 2022–23 campaign.
Furthermore, Leeds United was in the top half of the table at the time, but they are currently in 15th place, indicating that much work remains.
HOW JAMES MADDISON’S INDIVIDUAL TRAINING SIGNALS A SHOCK SEASON RETURN
James Maddison returns to individual training as Igor Tudor prepares Tottenham for a vital relegation battle with Forest.
Ahead of Tottenham’s match against Nottingham Forest, manager Igor Tudor gave an update on when James Maddison might return from injury. It’s a crucial moment for Spurs as they prepare to host Forest in what could be the defining 90 minutes of Tudor’s time at the club and quite possibly a key fixture that will shape the season for both teams.
Currently separated by just one point, Tottenham and Forest are locked in a battle against relegation. A win would push Spurs four points clear of the drop zone, while a loss might drag them into the bottom three. The stakes couldn’t be clearer.
Tudor’s side heads into this game with renewed energy, surprisingly positive given the mood just two weeks ago. The draw at Anfield broke a six-game losing streak, and their recent 3-2 victory over Atlético Madrid, though not enough to overturn the aggregate score, brought back a sense of belief. Young players like Xavi Simons and Archie Gray impressed, while Mathys Tel kept the opposition on their toes. The atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was electric in a way fans haven’t felt for months. While the Champions League hopes are dashed, that performance has injected valuable momentum into Spurs’ survival fight.
There’s also some hopeful news on the injury front. Dominic Solanke, who missed the Atlético leg with a hip issue, might be available. His physical presence adds a different dimension to Tottenham’s attack, which Tudor will surely be glad to have.
But the most promising update came from Tudor’s comments about Maddison. The creative midfielder, sidelined since August after rupturing his ACL in a preseason friendly, has begun some individual training, spotted alongside Palhinha. Recoveries from ACL injuries are never straightforward, and the team won’t rush him back. With only seven league games left after Sunday, there’s a narrow window for his return. Still, even the possibility of Maddison getting back on the pitch—someone who can change a game with a moment of skill or a precise pass—offers a much-needed morale boost.
For now, though, the focus remains firmly on Forest.
WHY BORUSSIA DORTMUND EXPECT JADON SANCHO TO SIGN FOR FREE
Unai Emery praises Jadon Sancho despite poor stats, while Dortmund free up £21m in wages to lure him back to Germany.
Borussia Dortmund really want Jadon Sancho back, and they’re hoping to get him for free from Manchester United. Sancho’s contract runs out this summer, and honestly, no one expects United to offer him a new one.
Right now, Sancho’s on loan at Aston Villa. It’s his third spell away from Old Trafford since United signed him for £73 million in 2021. His move to Villa was just a loan with no option to buy.
Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, has hinted he might keep Sancho, but Dortmund aren’t sitting around. The Times says Dortmund didn’t chase wingers last summer because Nico Kovac liked the 3-4-2-1 formation, but now the boss has changed his mind and wants Sancho back.
If Sancho comes back, he'll need to take a hefty pay cut from his £300,000-a-week salary. Still, Dortmund’s where he made his name after moving from Manchester City in 2017.
Dortmund have room in the budget this summer; they let the contracts of Julian Brandt, Niklas Süle, and Salih Özcan run out. That saves them about £21 million a year, and they’re optimistic they can lure Sancho, who’s allowed to strike pre-contract deals with foreign clubs.
Sancho actually spent half of the 2024 season back at Dortmund after Erik ten Hag froze him out at United. He helped them reach the Champions League final, but nothing permanent came of it.
Something similar happened during his loan to Chelsea last season. The club even paid a £5 million penalty just to avoid having to sign him outright. Villa picked him up right at the transfer deadline in September, but, once again, he’s struggled.
So far, Sancho’s got one goal and one assist in 29 games across all competitions. Still, Emery thinks there’s more to come.
When asked in February about signing Sancho for good, Emery said, “Not yet, but he’s a fantastic player. Hopefully, he can help us by improving within our system, like he is doing.
“He’ll need a new contract; maybe it’s here. If he plays his best football, we’ll want him. But other teams will be interested, too.”
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