Frank Lampard has made it clear that ‘Leeds are in there’ regarding the Premier League relegation battle after another topsy-turvy weekend of action involving Everton and Burnley, as he told Sky Sports.
Leeds, who play Crystal Palace on Monday night at Selhurst Park, have watched those behind them close the gap in the race to stay in the Premier League.
Burnley secured a 1-0 home win against Wolves during the early kick-off on Sunday, which was followed up by Everton losing to Liverpool in the Merseyside derby at Anfield.
Even though Sean Dyche was sacked by the Clarets, they have seemed to have taken their game to the next level, including picking up back-to-back wins.
Nonetheless, after Everton’s defeat to Liverpool, Lampard had this simple message regarding the relegation battle, as he was sure to keep Leeds’ name into the hat.
“It doesn’t to me (have a psychological effect that Everton are in the bottom three),” said Lampard. “It will be spoken about. But we have six games to Burnley’s five left.
“Leeds are in there, so they play tomorrow (Crystal Palace). We have to expect Burnley might win (against Wolves) and worry about our own job.
“So, there are 18 points for us to fight for, which is a lot to fight for, so it’s important for players, fans and the club to not get sucked into that in a negative way.
“We are realistic, it is what it is. But there are a lot of games for us to go and win.”
Everton are currently occupying the final relegation spot and are sitting on 29 points – two behind Burnley with a game in hand.
Added with that, they are also four points behind Leeds, who have played the same amount of games as the Toffees, but have a much worse goal difference.
In truth, three points at Selhurst Park for Jesse Marsch’s side would probably rule them out of the relegation fight heading into the final few weeks.
But, even then, the Yorkshire side still have to play three of the teams currently sitting in the Premier League’s top four.
All in all, this isn’t over year by a long stretch.
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